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http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/12/2892510/more-evidence-released-in-zimmerman.html
Detective in Zimmerman case said he was pressured to file charges 
Records released Thursday show a federal law-enforcement agent accompanied George Zimmerman to his police interrogations, and FBI interviews did not turn up any sign of racial bias in the shooting of Trayvon Martin.
July 12, 2012


BY FRANCES ROBLES
FROBLES@MIAMIHERALD.COM
The lead Sanford Police investigator who sought manslaughter charges against George Zimmerman told the FBI that a sergeant and two others officers tried to pressure him into making an arrest in the controversial case — even though he didn’t think there was enough evidence.

Sanford Police Officer Chris Serino first made headlines when evidence released in the case showed he sought manslaughter charges against Zimmerman even while his chief publicly said there was no probable cause to arrest him. But a document released late Thursday casts doubt on Serino’s prior sworn affidavit seeking criminal charges, and raises questions about the credibility of the star law-enforcement witness in the murder case against Zimmerman for the shooting death of a black teenager, Miami Gardens high school junior Trayvon Martin..

Telling the FBI that he was concerned that people inside the police department were leaking information, Serino cited Sgt. Arthur Barnes, officers Rebecca Villalona and Trekelle Perkins “as all pressuring him to file charges against Zimmerman after the incident,” an FBI report said. “Serino did not believe he had enough evidence at the time to file charges.”

The summary of Serino’s statement does not mention the race of the officers who allegedly pressured him, but sources told The Miami Herald that Barnes and Perkins are black, and Villalona is married to an African-American man. All three, the source said, had been called in by their supervisor and questioned about leaking information in the case.

A request Thursday evening to the Sanford Police Department for comment about Serino’s statement went unanswered.
More....

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/photo_shows_trayvon_martin_blood_0pXWpJiayltmMzlI5H1OIP

Photo shows Trayvon Martin's blood-soaked hoodie
Last Updated: 10:15 PM, July 12, 2012
Posted: 10:12 PM, July 12, 2012

A batch of newly released Trayvon Martin documents includes a grim photo of the slain teen’s blood-soaked hooded sweatshirt and fatal bullet hole.
 
The photo, unveiled today by Florida’s state attorney, shows the hole entered Martin’s sweatshirt in the left-center of his chest, about seven inches below the top of the cotton/polyester Nike sweatshirt.
 
Other photos taken by police right after the Feb. 26 shooting show bullet fragments from the fatal round fired by neighborhood watch leader George Zimmerman.
 ::snipping2::

In one of them, Sanford, Fla. Detective Christopher Serino, the lead investigator in the slaying, said Zimmerman’s actions were not motivated by race — but by the hoodie.

“Serino believed that Zimmerman’s actions were not based on Martin’s skin color rather based on his attire,” according to a report.
 
Serino said members of local gangs, who called themselves “Goons,” frequently wore hoodies and that why Zimmerman “took it upon himself to view Martin as acting suspicious.”
 ::snipping2::

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/photo_shows_trayvon_martin_blood_0pXWpJiayltmMzlI5H1OIP#ixzz20T0cS0ha

http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/zimmerman-had-often-called-police-1.3835101

Zimmerman had often called police
Published: July 12, 2012 10:02 PM

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Ex-neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman called police at least six times in the months before he shot Trayvon Martin to death, reporting activity as benign as kids playing in the street to detailing the description of a suspected burglar.

Documents and recordings released yesterday point to Zimmerman's frustration with people seeming to get away with petty crimes in his gated community, though they do little to clear up what happened the night of the Feb. 26, 2011, shooting.
 ::snipping2::
The calls were among close to 50 that Zimmerman made to Sanford police over eight years.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/america-live/index.html

July 12, 2012
Evidence released from FBI investigation into Zimmerman
Legal panel weighs in on the case

VIDEO

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1207/12/ijvm.01.html
JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL
School Showed `Total Disregard` for Child Rape Victims
Aired July 12, 2012 - 19:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
 ::snipping2::
Plus, unbelievable details revealed about Neighborhood Watch shooter George Zimmerman`s past. You won`t believe what his ex-fiancee told cops, stories that claim pushing and kicking and other violence long before Zimmerman gunned down unarmed teen Trayvon Martin. All the details tonight.
 ::snipping2::
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What happened here on April 20? And why did that happen?

GEORGE ZIMMERMAN, ACCUSED SHOOT: He said, "Yo, you got a problem?`

I turned around. And I said, no, I don`t have a problem, man.

SYBRINA FULTON, TRAYVON`S MOTHER: This is not a black and white thing. This is about a right and wrong thing.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Somehow Mr. Martin because he was wearing the hoodie is a criminal?

ZIMMERMAN:: I didn`t think I hit him because he sat up and he said, "Oh, you got me. You got it -- you got me, you got it," something like that.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It is not the grand conspiracy that the state seems to suggest.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He had lacerations on the back of his head.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So his head was banged into something harder than his head.

(END VIDEO CLIP)
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Astonishing new developments in the Trayvon Martin case. New evidence just released shows Trayvon`s shooter George Zimmerman -- are you sitting down -- wanted more guns after he shot Trayvon Martin dead in March.

You remember this? The nation exploding with protest because Zimmerman was still not arrested. Zimmerman`s in hiding. And we`re now learning tonight he was trying to get another gun. He contacted a gun shop asking for a weapon, allegedly. Why?

Zimmerman told the FBI that, quote "his life is in danger and he needs more guns."

Watch Zimmerman re-enact how he says this confrontation with Trayvon Martin went down.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ZIMMERMAN: When he was hitting my head against -- I felt like my head was going to explode and I thought I was going to lose consciousness.

He said, "You`re going to die tonight, (EXPLETIVE DELETED)." And he reached for it. But he reached -- like, I felt his arm going down to my side and I grabbed it. And I just grabbed my firearm and I shot one time.

(END VIDEO CLIP)
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Did Zimmerman have violent perhaps even racist tendencies? The FBI also interviewed his ex-fiancee who revealed the stunning accusation that during their engagement, quote, "Zimmerman hit her in the mouth with an open hand." Why -- because she was chewing gum. She also states that during an argument Zimmerman kicked her dog in the stomach when the dog approached him.

Will prosecutors be able to use this newly released evidence to portray Zimmerman as violence-prone? Give me a call, 1-877-JVM-SAYS, 1- 877-586-7297.

Straight out to Natalie Jackson, the attorney for Trayvon Martin`s family; Natalie, thanks for joining us. What do you make of this bombshell new evidence just released hours ago?

NATALIE JACKSON, ATTORNEY FOR TRAYVON MARTIN`S FAMILY: Well, there are 300 pages that were released by the state attorney`s office. I only went through half of it. I think it definitely will help the state with their case. There`s a lot of information -- new information that talks about the psychological of George Zimmerman.

But ultimately this case, the star witness of this case will be George Zimmerman and his own words; the smoking gun is his own words. So the jury will just -- they`ll come back and they`ll notice -- I believe that they`ll notice all the inconsistencies with the story and that will be what is the thing they consider most.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Well, listen, an ex-fiancee can sometimes hold a grudge.

But criminal defense attorney out of Miami, Michelle Suskauer, Zimmerman allegedly hit here in the mouth with his open hand because she was chewing gum? Kicks her dog, according to her? Will prosecutors be able to use this in court during his trial as evidence that he is prone to violence?

MICHELLE SUSKAUER, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: You know what; I don`t know if they -- listen, they are certainly going to want to try. But this is a prior bad act or prior bad act and they may not be able to use this at all.

But certainly it`s bad information about George Zimmerman if in fact this person is credible, which we do not know if she is credible or not. Just like you said, Jane, this is an ex-fiancee. This is someone who did not marry him for whatever reason. He broke up with her. She broke up with him. Who knows?

But, again, what is consistent from what everything I`ve read is that he does not come across as a racist. Everyone who has been interviewed and there were over 30 interviews about that.

(CROSSTALK)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Well, ok.

SUSKAUER: But he does not come across -- no one has said that he ever has been that way. And so there are some very positive things, if you want to spin it in the other way, for the defense that have come out of all this document today.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Your thoughts on that, Natalie Jackson.

JACKSON: Well, I`m not saying that George Zimmerman is a racist or he isn`t, but there is a witness that has come out. That`s witness number 9, the controversial witness, whose statements have been redacted. But the statements that were released with witness number 9; she called two days after the shooting before all of the uprising and she did say that he had those tendencies.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Speaking of -- and I`m writing down a caller`s name and state. So let me continue now. Speaking of this whole issue of whether or not he`s racist, evidence released today once again raises this question, was George Zimmerman racist? Is he a racist? Does he have those tendencies?

Now, police did suspect that although Zimmerman himself hotly denied it. Listen to this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This person was not doing anything bad. You know the name of the person that died?

ZIMMERMAN: Trayvon?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Trayvon.

ZIMMERMAN: Trayvon Martin.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Trayvon Benjamin Martin. He was born in 1995, February the 5th. He was 17 years old. In his possession we found a can of iced tea and a bag of Skittles and about $40 in cash. Not the goon.

You got problems with black people?

ZIMMERMAN: No.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ok. I had to ask.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Ok. "So you got problems with black people?" "No." "Ok, I had to ask." Zimmerman constantly claims he`s not racist.

But in this new evidence some disturbing things from his MySpace profile. He wrote about Mexicans walking on the side of the street soft (EXPLETIVE DELETED) want-to-be thugs messing with cars and he goes on to complain about getting knives pulled on you by every Mexican you run into.

Now, Robi Ludwig, this sounds to me like a very judgmental person who makes sweeping generalizations and assumptions based on people based on their ethnicity, their appearance, whatever. Isn`t that exactly what he did to Trayvon Martin?

ROBI LUDWIG, PSYCHOTHERAPIST: Well, it sounds that way. And of course we`ll find out more details. But he also sounds very paranoid to me and highly reactive. And when someone`s in a paranoid state, then they tend to see things if you are in an outsiders group, you`re an enemy. You`re either an outsider or an insider.

And that`s what I see about Zimmerman. He seems perhaps when he`s not well is increasingly paranoid, increasingly more suspicious and increasingly highly reactive.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: What I found astounding about these documents, Tanya Acker, is that until the shooting -- oh the irony -- he was not on good terms with his own parents and he became on better terms after the shooting.

So what`s adding up here is somebody who has a tendency to get into arguments -- the ex-fiancee, Trayvon Martin, his own parents.

TANYA ACKER, ATTORNEY: I think that George Zimmerman`s best hope in his trial moving forward is he is going to have to take the stand. And he`s going to have to take a story. And he`s going to have to tell his story.

And if he does that, he is possibly going to open up the door to all of these other sorts of questions. He`s going to have to answer questions about his prior relationships, his tendency toward violence.

And look, the whole notion about whether or not he`s racist or not racist, whether or not Trayvon Martin was brought to his attention or whether or not George Zimmerman thought that Trayvon was more dangerous because he was black, that doesn`t necessarily turn on whether or not Zimmerman had a history of using the n-word or being in a hate group. They`re separate issues.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Yes. Now, we`re going to the phone lines quickly. Crystal, Iowa, your thought, my dear.
CRYSTAL, IOWA (via telephone): does Trayvon`s family have any right to sue for the poor handling of their case?

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Oh, well that`s an excellent question. Very quickly, Michelle Suskauer, can Trayvon Martin`s family sue?

SUSKAUER: Well, who are they going to sue? Suing law enforcement? There`s immunity. But suing George Zimmerman, potentially. But, again, in Florida the "Stand Your Ground" law it`s very possible that they will have -- that George Zimmerman may be able to have civil immunity under this law. So that is an option.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Natalie Jackson, any plans now for a civil suit?

JACKSON: That is something that we have not ruled out the possibility. Right now the parents they are more concerned with the criminal case and what happens with George Zimmerman.

Jane, I want to talk about the racism issue. The state is not charging George Zimmerman with any racial crime. So that really -- that is not an issue here. They have not charged him with any sort of hate or racial crime. They are charging him straight with murder two. And the profiling that they`re alleging is criminal profiling.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: All right. We are on top of this story. Thank you Natalie Jackson. Thank you my entire panel. Come here for the latest on the Zimmerman case.
 ::snipping2::

https://twitter.com/bobkealing (https://twitter.com/bobkealing)

bob kealing ‏@bobkealing
‪#GeorgeZimmerman‬ motion expresses fear that judge's negative impression of him could carry over to immunity hearing. ‪#TrayvonMartin‬

5m bob kealing ‏@bobkealing
‪#GeorgeZimmerman‬ motion accuses Judge Lester of departing from role as "objective, impartial minister of justice." Asks he be disqualified.

9m bob kealing ‏@bobkealing
‪#breakingnews‬ ‪#GeorgeZimmerman‬ files motion to disqualify Judge Ken Lester from the case.



https://twitter.com/RichardHornsby (https://twitter.com/RichardHornsby)

Richard Hornsby ‏@RichardHornsby
@bobkealing angling for retired Judge Eaton be appointed to the case I bet!  7m

http://www.scribd.com/doc/100020949/Motion-to-Disqualify-Lester

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Zimmerman seeks new judge in murder trial
 Fri Jul 13, 2012 4:58pm EDT
(Reuters) - The Florida man charged with second-degree murder in the killing of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin asked for a new judge in the case on Friday, accusing the judge currently assigned to the case of bias.
Lawyers for George Zimmerman filed a motion requesting that Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester withdraw from the trial.
In the filing, Zimmerman alleged that Lester had made "gratuitous" and "disparaging remarks" about him during a July 5 bond hearing and offered "a personal opinion" in the case.
"In doing so, the Court has created a reasonable fear in Mr. Zimmerman that this Court is biased against him and because of this prejudice he cannot receive a fair and impartial trial or hearing by this Court," the motion said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/13/us-usa-florida-shooting-idUSBRE86C15H20120713
It is the second time Zimmerman and his legal team have requested a new judge.
In April, they asked the judge presiding at the time to step aside because of a possible conflict of interest after revelations that the judge's husband had been contacted by Zimmerman's family as part of their search for a defense attorney.
The request was granted and Lester was appointed at that time to serve as judge in the case.
Last week, Zimmerman was released from a Florida jail on a $1 million bail. He claims self-defense in the February 26 shooting death of 17-year-old Martin in a gated community in the central Florida city of Sanford.
Martin's killing drew national attention because police initially declined to arrest Zimmerman, citing Florida's "Stand Your Ground" self-defense law and his assertion that he used deadly force because he feared his life was in danger.

https://twitter.com/bobkealing (https://twitter.com/bobkealing)

bob kealing ‏@bobkealing
‪#breakingnews‬ state says it will file objection to ‪#GeorgeZimmerman‬ motion to disqualify Judge Lester.

https://twitter.com/DaraleneJones (https://twitter.com/DaraleneJones)

Daralene Jones ‏@DaraleneJones
Prosecutors said they will release Witness9 Statement Monday. Meanwhile, they OBJECT to ‪#GeorgeZimmerman‬ motion, asking for a new judge  7m



https://twitter.com/MarkNeJame (https://twitter.com/MarkNeJame)

Mark NeJame ‏@MarkNeJame
Am appearing on @cnnn @ErinBurnett at 7:30 tonite. Discussing defense motion to recuse ‪#judgelester‬ in @georgezimmerman @trayvonmartin case.  4m

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/13/justice/florida-teen-shooting/index.html

Zimmerman asks for another new judge
updated 6:20 PM EDT, Fri July 13, 2012

 ::snipping2::
Also Friday, Lester denied Zimmerman's motion seeking reconsideration of an order allowing for public disclosure of statements from a person identified only as "Witness 9" and telephone calls recorded while he was being held in Seminole County Jail.
 
The witness statements and some of the calls will be available at 11 a.m. Monday, the state attorney's office said.
::snipping2::

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-07-13/news/os-george-zimmerman-witness-9-jail-calls-20120713_1_george-zimmerman-trayvon-martin-mark-o-mara

Zimmerman judge orders release of jail calls, 'Witness 9' statement
4:16 p.m. EST, July 13, 2012|

Despite objections by George Zimmerman's attorneys, the public will get to hear 145 additional phone calls Zimmerman made from the Seminole County jail, as well as the statement of a witness who says he doesn't like black people.

The witness, identified as "Witness 9" in prosecution documents, has not been publicly identified. One of her two statements has been withheld from the public so far, and attorney Mark O'Mara argued it should stay that way.

In her other statement, Witness 9 says that she knows Zimmerman, as well as his family.

"I know George, and I know that he does not like black people," she said, speaking to a Sanford police investigator. "He would start something. He's a very confrontational person. It's in his blood. Let's just say that."

She went on to describe Zimmerman and his family as "just mean and open about it, and I don't know what he's capable of, but I do know things that he's done to me that I would never, I would never talk to him about ever again."

O'Mara wrote in a motion that the not-yet-released second statement "is not relevant" to the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, and would "serve to reignite and potentially enhance the widespread public hostility toward Mr. Zimmerman."

However, Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester wrote in an order filed Friday that public records law requires the release of evidence, unless it would present a "serious and imminent threat to the administration of justice."

The statement, Lester writes, does not reach that high bar
 ::snipping2::

http://gzlegalcase.com/

Verified Motion to Disqualify Trial Judge
on 13 July 2012.

We filed this Verified Motion to Disqualify Trial Judge based upon our review of the Court’s July 6 Order Setting Bond and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.330(d)(1), and after lengthy discussions among the defense team and with George. We feel our motion is in complete compliance with the rule, and await Judge Lester’s decision so this matter may move forward.
 
Verified Motion to Disqualify Trial Judge
http://184.172.211.159/~gzdocs/documents/motions/motion_to_disqualify.pdf

If you are being tried for a criminal and unlawful act usually the evidence against you is not going to make people like you yet the public has a right to know. 

I do not understand why white people are so fearful of black people.  Alot of folks worrying about riots and George fearing for his life.  It's silly.  The only group I've heard of making threats toward GZ is a group I think is totally fake... The 'new' Black Panthers.  Someone please tell me who is in this group, where they are located, and what type of actual activities they conduct.  It's like the man behind the curtain, a Wizard of Oz, a phantom group being used by the media to strike hatred and vitriol and make GZ out to be some victim, which he is not, IMO.

O'Mara's Motion to Disqualify is well-written.

I remember when Judge Lester's ruling on the 2nd bond came out and my thinking that the judge is not a mind reader.

White people are fearful of black people? Really? Kind of a broad statement dont u think? I myself am fearful of people who are mentally unstable or just plain evil. Anyone who would riot over something like this case is imo mentally unstable or just evil or full of hate. Those types of people scare me. Not black people.

kcrn - I totally agree!

Here is where the Black Panthers are located:
Vallejo, CA 94590
http://www.blackpanther.org/contact.html

They are an actual group and I would fear them.  However, they are not the norm.  But, it only takes one person that is listening to all of this chaos to do the deed.  Black or white...or any other race...GZ isn't "white." So, I don't know.  But, the black community sure is playing it up to their advantage...and I am saying that from personal experience through people that I know.  Anything to ensure that racism continue to exist...(and the majority is not from "white" people) for if it didn't what well...oh, nevermind.  MOO!

http://www.cfnews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2012/7/13/george_zimmerman_mot.html

George Zimmerman's attorneys file motion to disqualify judge
Last Updated: Saturday, July 14, 2012 @ 05:32AM

 ::snipping2::
Analyst: Judge may recuse himself

Legal analyst David Fussell thinks the Judge Lester may grant this motion.
 
“The question is whether Mr. Zimmerman feels like he can get a fair trial from this judge, and if they put all the language in there from the order the judge issued, he’ll probably grant the motion to recuse," Fussell explained.
 
The first judge assigned to the case, Jessica Recksiedler, stepped down in April 2012 because of a personal conflict of interest.
 
However, this time, the reason for Judge Lester stepping down would be because of a perceived personal bias and a perceived negative opinion of Zimmerman.
 
Zimmerman is currently out on bond as he faces second-degree murder charges for shooting and killing teen.
 
“He doesn’t want to try the case and have it reversed on appeal, and probably doesn’t want to take a lot of time and have this case go up to the appellate court now. I would suspect after he reads it, considers it and thinks it over, he’ll probably recuse himself," Fussell concluded.
 
Near the end of the 13-page motion, Zimmerman’s attorneys quoted legal precedence saying, “every litigant is entitled to nothing less than the cold neutrality of an impartial judge," claiming Judge Kenneth Lester is not capable of being impartial anymore.
 
We reached out to the Florida Court System for Lester's reaction, and were told the judge is not allowed to comment on pending legal cases.
 
Fussell said we should expect a decision from Judge Lester early next week.

Two more point of views....

https://twitter.com/TennisLaw (https://twitter.com/TennisLaw)


Diana Tennis ‏@TennisLaw
4h As we contemplate Zimmerman recusal # 2; note state planning to respond - unheard of, useless, and guarantees def motion granted ‪#overreach‬

4h Richard Hornsby ‏@RichardHornsby
@TennisLaw I disagree the standard for granting changes on the second and subsequent motions to prevent judge shopping. ‪#GeorgeZimmerman‬

4h Diana Tennis ‏@TennisLaw
@RichardHornsby Despite higher standard they meet it, Lester doesn't care or he would not have gone nuclear, state butting in clinches it

Richard Hornsby ‏@RichardHornsby
@TennisLaw personally, I don't think he went nuclear considering the fraud that Zimmerman perpetuated on the court.

3h Diana Tennis ‏@TennisLaw
@RichardHornsby oh good grief. you sound like a misdemeanor prosecutor. this is barely above garden variety fudging done by dummies daily

Richard Hornsby ‏@RichardHornsby
@TennisLaw You're insane, if that sh!t had been pulled in front of a Kaney, Conrad, or either judge Perry ‪#Zimmerman‬ would be under jail now

3h Diana Tennis ‏@TennisLaw
@RichardHornsby Now you sound like a prosecutor from the eighties. Do not agree about Perry, and I don't come close to meeting McNaughten:)

Richard Hornsby ‏@RichardHornsby
@TennisLaw We talking about same @VoteBelvinPerry who sentenced mentally challenged woman & unemployed waiter to jail during Anthony trial?

3h Diana Tennis ‏@TennisLaw
@RichardHornsby @VoteBelvinPerry Not for a year he didn't.

Diana Tennis ‏@TennisLaw
@RichardHornsby And the waiter loved it.

http://www.blackpanther.org/newsalert.htm

There Is No New Black Panther Party: An Open Letter From the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation

Yeah...the only address that I found was in Vallego.

self edit...can't spell...:)

Hmmm...so I guess all that this means is anywhere that the term "Black Panther" has been placed...needs to be replaced with "Group Posing as Black Panthers."  Either way and whomever it is...they are still dangerous in my book.

http://twitter.com/marknejame (http://twitter.com/marknejame)
7h Mark NeJame ‏@MarkNeJame
@coreybking I think judge is very fair and shouldn't be recused. In order to preserve appeal defense apparently believed it needed to file

8:27 AM - 14 Jul 12 via Twitter for iPhone · Details

Yes, he said the same thing last night on CNN. I'm just wondering why the State is going to file a motion regarding this, if it's pretty much a standard thing to do.  I don't believe Judge Lester will step down. I hope the appellate court rules swiftly on this, if it goes there.  I can't quite figure them out. CA's appeal is still there, yet Hataway has already been denied his.

Me too, I could post hundreds of links and videos over riots, one recently was over a pair of damn tennis shoes in Orlando, I all too well remember the riots after the Rodney King Verdict and Sharpton has encited too many riots to post, but 2 in particular were violent enough that 8 ppl were killed....How many whites have been brutally beaten in the name of justice for Trayvon all over the country..and it's not just here, this article broke my heart when I read about this, so to say anyone has no reason to fear riots and thug pack mentality (of any color), well it just seems extremely naive when we have already seen proof of such behavoir .....the race card never expires it seems to racist agitators-God help us if these are who the youth look up to.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2147730/Father-56-critical-condition-stabbed-trying-shield-dying-son-frenzied-attack-hoodie-gang-outside-pub.html


 ::snipping2::
Father, 56, fighting for life after being stabbed trying to shield dying son from frenzied attack by hoodie gang outside pub after Chelsea match


20 hooded youths stormed pub with knives 'like a pack of wolves'


The pair were attacked when a gang armed with bats and knives stormed the north London pub after father and son had watched Chelsea win the cup together at on Saturday.


A forensic tent remained at the scene of the tragedy just yards from the pub near his Dollis Hill home.

A female friend, 22, who asked not be named, said: 'Luke was one of the nicest guys around, always looking after people, he actually cared about people, a really nice, funny guy.

'The amount of flowers that are here just shows how loved he was, this has ruined this community.

'I was there on Saturday and it was like something out of a horror film.


'There were about 20 young black guys all with their hoods up armed with sticks and bats and knives. They just ran in the pub and started trying to attack people.


 ::snipping2::

WRT the NBP, Malik Shabazz has been all over twitter enouraging that all "crackers" attending the RNC here in Florida should be killed......yep, that's crazy azz chit-what is some unbalanced nutjob actually does this?

http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2012/06/new-black-panther-threatens-whitey-kill-these-racist-honkies-these-crackers-these-pigs-these-pink-people/

New Black Panthers Threaten to Kill Crackers – Promise SHOWDOWN at RNC

Posted by Jim Hoft on Monday, June 25, 2012, 12:14 PM

On top of all of this, the 3 detectives that wanted GZ arrested said the black community would be in uproar if he wasn't....it's in the story, I tend to believe they believe the uproar worry, and riots easily.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/12/v-fullstory/2892510/more-evidence-released-in-zimmerman.html



The summary of Serino’s statement does not mention the race of the officers who allegedly pressured him, but sources told The Miami Herald that Barnes and Perkins are black, and Villalona is married to an African-American man. All three, the source said, had been called in by their supervisor and questioned about leaking information in the case.

A request Thursday evening to the Sanford Police Department for comment about Serino’s statement went unanswered.

“Our position has always been that there’s something going on in the Sanford Police Department,” said Benjamin Crump, an attorney for Trayvon’s family. “All of this is window dressing. What’s important is George Zimmerman’s statements, which are inconsistent and factually impossible.”

Serino, a 15-year veteran of the department who was a major-crimes investigator, was demoted last month to overnight patrol. Tapes of his interviews with Zimmerman show him poking holes in the former neighborhood watch volunteer’s account of what happened the night he killed Trayvon. Serino told the FBI that Zimmerman had a “little hero complex” and sounded “scripted.” However, he said he believed Zimmerman targeted Trayvon because of his attire, the circumstances and recent burglaries in the area, not the color of the teen’s skin.

In his FBI interview, Serino accused Sgt. Barnes of being “friendly” with Tracy Martin, Trayvon’s father. He said Tracy Martin at first understood why no charges were filed, but later changed coursse and accused Zimmerman of racial profiling.

Crump denied that Tracy Martin ever changed postures. Martin, he said, sought legal counsel the very day Serino told him no charges would be filed.

Records released Thursday show that Sgt. Barnes, a 25-year veteran of the department, told the FBI that he believed the black community would be “in an uproar” if Zimmerman was not charged. “The community will be satisfied if an arrest takes place,” the FBI quoted him saying. Barnes “felt the shooting was not racially motivated, but it was a man shooting an unarmed kid.”

The report does not make clear why Serino would feel pressure from Barnes and the other two officers he mentioned, when he had the backing of the police chief. Chief Lee was fired last month for his role in the widely disparaged investigation.

Well even if they arent an officially organized group that has a secretary, a vp &a treasurer & they have monthly meetings (insert sarcasm here) the fact of the matter is that I highly doubt these people that call themselves the new black panthers are white. They are clearly very racist & have no problems spewing hatred against whites or "crackers" as they so affectionately call us. They are just the type of people that kill & cause riots over misguided hate & should be feared. This trayvon case has brought out these cretins & they fall into the mentally unstable, evil & full of hate types that should be feared. Sharpton could be their president if he said what he meant instead of hiding behind a cloak of a decent black man who just thinks blacks are treated unfairly.

AMEN AMEN!!!!!

Malik Shabazz should be so proud........N O T!

http://cofcc.org/2012/05/remembering-the-2001-cincinnati-riots/


 ::snipping2::

What is generally well known about the origins of the Cincinnati riots is that they started in “protest” of the shooting of a black man by a white police officer. On Saturday, April 7, 2001, two off‑duty police officers working security at a bar in the inner city spotted Timothy Thomas, a 19‑year‑old black male wanted on 14 misdemeanor charges. Realizing he was in danger of arrest, Thomas started running, and numerous police officers pursued him. The pursuit ended when Thomas led a lone officer, Steve Roach, into one of Cincinnati’s most infamous alleys.

Thomas reportedly spun around suddenly and reached into his pocket. Officer Roach says that he believed Thomas was reaching for a weapon and instinctively pulled his own gun and fired. Thomas, who actually was not armed, was hit in the chest and killed.
 


The Cincinnati media immediately leapt to the conclusions it wanted to reach. “Unarmed black male shot by white cop; Fifth black shot by cops since November; fifteen blacks and no whites killed by cops since 1995″ were among the headlines and sound bites that dominated the reporting and disguised editorializing of the media reaction. Thomas was portrayed as a troubled teen who was turning his life around. Thomas was supposedly a devoted father who wanted to do something positive with his life. The media’s one‑sided reporting of the story emboldened a crowd of hysterical blacks who mobbed City Hall on Monday, despite an announcement that a grand jury was investigating Thomas’ death.
 
The black mob became violent and began moving through downtown Cincinnati, knocking over vendors’ stands and throwing rocks and bottles. Police followed but did little to stop the violence.
 
Full scale rioting began on Tuesday in Over‑the‑Rhine, the inner city neighborhood where Thomas was shot, and downtown Cincinnati. Blacks stopped traffic, pulled whites from their cars and beat them. Some blacks stood on street corners hurling bricks at white motorists and pedestrians. Fox News reported that an elderly white couple was pulled from their car. A WLWT television truck driver was hit with a brick hurled through his window. WCPO, an ABC affiliate, aired ten minutes of coverage on the 11:00 p.m. news Tuesday. WCPO had videotaped a Kentucky truck driver being pulled from his truck and beaten. The news crew interviewed three other whites who were attacked. One woman, who had blood streaming down her face and chest, was pulled from her car and hit on the head with a brick. Her elderly mother was also pulled from the passenger seat and beaten.
 
Nevertheless, the media has given no indication of how many whites were attacked. However, during the week after the riots, many more stories and pictures of other battered whites surfaced. On April 17th Bill Cunningham, a WLW radio talk show host in Cincinnati, stated on his show that 128 whites were attacked. Roslyn Jones, an albino black woman, was also attacked. She says blacks who approached her from behind and yelled “white woman” threw bricks at her car.
 
While whites were being attacked, many blacks were displaying signs of racial pride. Some held homemade signs reading, “Black Power” and “Honk if you’re black.” Others waved black, red, and green “African‑American” flags as well as signs promoting the Nation of Islam. Many also held professionally made “Don’t shoot” banners. The professional character of these signs indicate that the protestors were being organized.
 
Blacks smashed storefronts and looted Findley Market in the Over‑the‑Rhine neighborhood. Findley Market had represented a major success in the gentrification of Cincinnati’s inner city. Wealthy liberal whites, which have been renovating old Victorian homes in the inner city, began revitalizing Findley in the early 90′s. Much of Findley Market was deserted for 20 years following the 1968 black riots after the death of Martin Luther King Jr. leveled the neighborhood and sent business owners packing in fear. White business owners, interviewed by the media, expressed confusion over why they were targeted since they had brought jobs and money to the community.
 
Numerous police officers reported being attacked during the riots. Blacks threw bottles at white cops from apartment windows, and rocks from street corners. Half a dozen police reported being fired upon. One officer was hit by a bullet but only slightly injured.
 
Local schools in Over‑the‑Rhine cancelled evening events. Some cancelled Wednesday classes. Mail delivery was also halted in Over‑the‑Rhine. Several fires were set, including one in a three‑story apartment. Despite limited coverage of attacks on whites on Tuesday night, the media was silent on the issue Wednesday morning. When Ohio’s numerous newspapers came out, they spoke of “rioters, looting, and vandalism.” No mention of anti‑white attacks. Cincinnati’s television newscasts even changed their tune and began downplaying the crimes.
 
Protests continued Wednesday, this time in four new neighborhoods. There was only sporadic violence and looting. Large groups of black clergymen, at one point forming a wall between protesters and police, urged blacks to be peaceful.
 
On Thursday, Mayor Charles Luken declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew on Cincinnati. Luken actually referred to anti‑white violence, which is rare among today’s politicians who are mindful of being politically correct. In a press conference he stated, “whites are tired of being targeted in their cars.” By this time, the weather had turned sour and rioters were staying home.
 
Also on Thursday, WCPO aired a live discussion with Mayor Luken and black community leaders. A meek Luken did little to defend police when the black guests boldly proclaimed that police had “murdered” 15 blacks since 1995.
 
Of these 15 blacks killed by police, seven had guns. Five of them fired on officers. One flagged down a policewoman and shot her three times before she fired back. One black man died of cocaine-induced sudden death syndrome as he fought with police. A policeman, who was being dragged from a car, shot the black driver. The officer, who was black himself, was dismembered and killed by the out-of-control car moments after he fired the shot. Twelve of the 15 assaulted police with some kind of deadly weapon, and police were entirely justified in shooting all of them.
 
In the same period of time that the 15 blacks died at the hands of police, there were 190 black-on-black murders. This constitutes 80 percent of the 238 total murders in Cincinnati for that period. Of course, there were no riots or protests about the blacks murdered by other blacks.
 
On the Saturday following the riots, a large funeral was held at the Avondale Baptist Church. The funeral was a who’s who of black racist leaders. Aside from numerous local black speakers, Jamil Muhammad of the Nation of Islam, Malik Zulu Shabazz of the New Black Panther Party, Martin Luther King III of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and Kweisi Mfumi, president of the NAACP, all spoke at the funeral. Left wing Ohio Governor Bob Taft and Mayor Charles Luken also spoke. The church held about 400 attendants, who were virtually all black except for white politicians. Another 400‑600 blacks stood outside and listened to loudspeakers placed on the church roof.
 
Malik Shabazz, who was flanked by a dozen other Black Panthers in military uniforms, received an exhilarating response when he led the crowd in chants of “black power!” Both crowds, inside and outside, raised their fists and cheered. Shabazz audaciously declared, “This isn’t a riot, this is a rebellion!” Malik Shabazz took over the New Black Panther Party after Dr. Khallid Abdul Muhammad, who advocated the extermination of white people, died suddenly last February of a brain aneurysm.
 
Governor Taft spoke on the need for police and government to do more to help the black community. A visibly nervous and shaking Mayor Luken apologized to Thomas’ mother. Blacks in the church laughed and jeered as he spoke.
 
As the funeral closed, uniformed Black Panthers carried the coffin to a waiting hearse. Blacks outside raised their fists as the pall bearers walked by. After the hearse left, Malik Shabazz led 200 blacks across the street for a rally. Some waved flags and Nation of Islam banners as the crowd chanted, “Black power” and “Shoot the police.” A WCPO news crew interviewed Shabazz. He said they had come to Cincinnati from Detroit to “organize an army of black men to defend themselves from police.” One of his uniformed followers added that if the white man doesn’t remove his foot from their backs, “We gonna break da ankle!” The Reverends Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson both spoke in Cincinnati as well. Sharpton spoke at a church on Easter Sunday and Jackson the following Tuesday.

 
On Saturday night the media was still fanning the flames. WCPO news anchors related how mostly white neighborhoods were not affected by the curfew. They aired pictures of a deserted and boarded up Findley Market, then showed gleeful whites having fun at a bar in a white suburb.
 
NAACP President Kweisi Mfume had already been first on the scene, having held a town meeting two days before the funeral. Mfume, who asked blacks to end violence, was jeered and shouted down by more radical blacks in the crowd. Numerous blacks in the audience verbally attacked police and whites and excused black violence.
 
 
Angela Leisure, Thomas’ mother, also spoke at the teen forum. Leisure threatened more violence if Roach is not indicted for murder. “We are all sitting on a powder keg waiting to see what the grand jury does,” she proclaimed. There were many more ceremonial attacks on the police. The NAACP announced it would be joining a class action lawsuit, already in progress, filed by blacks against the police for alleged harassment. With much media fanfare, four black police officers quit the Fraternal Order of Police and accused FOP leaders of racism.
 
The city council has agreed to give $2,000 grants to each damaged business and to offer low interest loans. Leonard Weinstein, who owns a pawnshop, says his business was picked clean. He claims $100,000 in damages and says he will have to close down if not given a grant for all of the damages. Gov. Taft and other state officials are considering using state money to give business owners grants. The city of Cincinnati is planning special events to be held at Findley Market to encourage white consumers to return. One hundred and twenty businesses have reporting being damaged.
 
In response to the race riots, the federal government expressed support for the blacks. Attorney General John Ashcroft announced that the Justice Department would investigate the Cincinnati police department for racial bias and that the FBI was investigating the shooting of the black fugitive. Meanwhile, while the federal government was investigating whites, a black college professor at Northern Kentucky University just across the state line from Cincinnati called on blacks to kill a white policeman.
 
Fox News reported on May 1 that the campus newspaper, The Northerner, quoted Dr. Clinton Hewan, Professor of Political Science at NKU, as saying that the family of the slain fugitive should “go out and get” the policeman involved in the shooting. Professor Hewan was quoted as saying, the family should “quietly stalk that S.O.B. and take him out.” The professor claims his remarks were “taken out of context.” He later stated that he was merely trying to illustrate his belief that it is “time for blacks to stand up and fight back” against “white racist” persecution. The president of the university said he was “appalled and deeply troubled” by the statements attributed to Hewan, but also said Hewan is “a good man and a good teacher,” even though he is often a “confrontational” figure on campus.
 
During the riots, 837 people were arrested. Over half were arrested for curfew violations. Of these, 63 were charged with looting, vandalism, arson, and physical assault; 61 of those charged were black. Yet so far there has been only one person charged with a “hate crime” — a white man, Craig Carr, 20, who is accused of throwing a brick at the window of a black motorist while yelling a racial epithet on April 12. Charged with “ethnic intimidation,” criminal damaging, and aggravated assault, Mr. Carr, if convicted, could receive two years in prison. Hamilton County prosecutor Mike Allen said that black youths who assaulted white motorists during the riot would also be charged with hate crimes. So far none has been so charged.
 
There were also millions of dollars in property damage. However, this was far from being the worse race riot in history. In 1992, blacks rioted in Los Angeles killing 59 people and injuring 2,300. In 1980, blacks killed 18 and injured 400 in Tampa, Florida. During the Martin Luther King riots of 1968, when Cincinnati’s previous race riot occurred, violence flared in 125 cities, leaving 46 dead and 2,600 injured.
 
Tensions are still high among Cincinnati’s 331,000 residents, of which 43 percent are black. It has, for decades, been an unwritten rule that you should not stop your car while driving through the inner city. White Cincinnatians don’t know what to expect. Columnist Geoff Metcalf reported that whites have made a run on gun stores in the tri‑state area. Many fear that by excusing black violence and the continued appeasing of the black community, white politicians are only setting the stage for worse violence in the future.

 ::snipping2::

Well in light of an example like this, I sure cant imagine why "whites fear black people". NOT!! Its excused behavior because theyre just fighting for their civil rights doncha know? I guess their civil rights include beating innocent white people, stealing from their own community businesses &spewing hate in a public forum with their hate filled "civil rights leaders".

Tell me one white group that could call for killing of another race and get away with it.

 ::MonkeyKiss::Exactly.

http://www.csmonitor.com

Trayvon Martin case’s mystery man: George Zimmerman’s cop connection
New evidence shows that George Zimmerman, the defendant in the Trayvon Martin murder case, counts a law enforcement officer – a federal agent – as a close adviser.

By Patrik Jonsson, Staff writer / July 14, 2012

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2012/0714/Trayvon-Martin-case-s-mystery-man-George-Zimmerman-s-cop-connection (page) 1

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2012/0714/Trayvon-Martin-case-s-mystery-man-George-Zimmerman-s-cop-connection/(page)/2


  ::justice2NJ::

 ::rhino::

Im not seeing how this has abything to do with anything. He has a friend in law enforcement. So?

Two-page article

http://thegrio.com/2012/07/15/zimmerman-investigator-blamed-black-officers-for-leaks-pressure-to-file-charges/

Zimmerman investigator blamed black officers for leaks, ‘pressure’ to file charges
July 15, 2012

 ::snipping2::
“Serino is concerned that many of the leaks in this case are coming from within the Sanford Police Department,” the FBI report states. Serino reportedly named the officers he believed were behind the leaks: officers Arthur Barnes, Trekell Perkins and Rebecca Villalona. Barnes and Perkins are black. Villalona is white, but is married to an African-American. Serino is Cuban-American.
 
Perkins is the officer who took the statement of Witness 9, a woman who claimed to know Zimmerman and his family, and who accused Zimmerman of being racist, and “hating black people.” Neither Villalona nor Barnes were involved in the Zimmerman investigation.
 
Barnes, a 25-year veteran of the police department and a Sanford native, was himself interviewed by FBI agents on April 5th. The former Army M.P., who was assigned to the property crimes division, talked to the investigators about the racial makeup of Sanford, and told them “the number one crime issue in the City of Sanford is burglaries,” including for his division. The Retreat at Twin Lakes subdivision, where Zimmerman and his wife rented a townhouse, had seen nearly a half dozen break-ins in the year prior to the Martin killing, and Zimmerman himself had called in several “suspicious person” reports, all involving young black males, on August 3 and 4, and October 6, 2011, and again on  February 2nd. The Twitter account for the Retreat at Twin Lakes homeowner association boasted on February 12th about the success of their neighborhood watch program, for which Zimmerman — though a renter, not a homeowner — was the coordinator.

Barnes told investigators that while he was “unsure how the younger African-American community” would react to the outcome of the investigation, he believed “the African-American community would be in an ‘uproar’ if Zimmerman” was not charged. “The community will be satisfied if an arrest takes place,” the report of two FBI agents states. “As for the civil rights investigation, if i is determined to be a violation of Trayvon Martin’s civil rights then it will reflect negatively on the Sanford Police Department and fingers will be pointed at them for not doing their job properly,” the report states, adding that Barnes believed the community was split “50/50″ on whether the shooting was a hate crime, but that he did not believe the shooting was racially motivated. “It was a man shooting an unarmed kid.” the report states Barnes told the FBI investigators.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2012/7/15/let_stand_your_groun.html

EXCLUSIVE POLL: Floridians say they want Stand Your Ground law to stay
Last Updated: Monday, July 16, 2012 @ 12:17AM

ST PETERSBURG --
When 28-year-old George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin and argued the Stand Your Ground law, saying he was protecting himself, the application of the law came under question and scrutiny. Despite the controversy, though, most Floridians say they think the law shouldn't be changed.
 
According to a Tampa Bay Times, Bay News 9 exclusive statewide poll, 64 percent of registered voters said they support the law and even almost half of those who say they oppose it add they would really just like to see it modified. Only 18 percent of those polled said they want to see the law repealed.
 
The law, which was passed in 2005, say ... a person is justified to use deadly force to defend themselves if they reasonably believe that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death, great bodily harm or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony. A citizen has no duty to retreat and if it is determined that their use of force was justified, they are immune from criminal prosecution and civil action. The Stand Your Ground law does not apply if the victim initially provokes the use of force of if they are involved in a felony crime.
 ::snipping2::

Audio at link

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-os-george-zimmerman-jail-phone-calls-20120716,0,6274019.story

"Witness 9" tells prosecutors Zimmerman is prejudiced against blacks
12:16 p.m. CDT, July 16, 2012

A young woman told Florida authorities that suspect George Zimmerman had demonstrated racist behavior before his arrest in the Trayvon Martin murder investigation, according to new evidence released today by Special Prosecutor Angela Corey.

Zimmerman's family, said the woman, identified only as "witness 9," "don't like black people if they don't act like white people. They like black people if they act white."

Corey released witness 9's statement plus 120 recorded phone calls made by Zimmerman when he was in the Seminole County Jail.

In a statement released earlier, witness 9 told Sanford, Fla., police that Zimmerman does not like blacks. In the audio-recorded interview released today, she reiterated that, without providing specifics.

Had she seen George Zimmerman disparage blacks or act as if he hated blacks, she was asked.

No, she said.

Witness 9 also claimed Zimmerman sexually molested her for a decade, starting when both were children, according to prosecution records released today.

The woman said the alleged abuse started when she was six years old and Zimmerman was eight, and ended when she was 16.
 ::snipping2::

Oh, good grief...what makes this witness creditable?

Witness claims George Zimmerman molested her as a child


Published July 16, 2012

FoxNews.com


A potential witness in the case against George Zimmerman has testified that the neighborhood watch volunteer charged with killing Florida teen Trayvon Martin molested her as a child.

The unidentified woman told the Duval County State Attorney’s office that Zimmerman began abusing her when she was 6 and continued until she was 16, MyFoxOrlando.com reports. The woman also told police that Zimmerman and his family do not like African-Americans.

Phone calls Zimmerman made from the Seminole County Jail were also released.  A total of 140 calls made in April of this year were included in the evidence made public. ::snipping2::

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/07/16/witness-claims-george-zimmerman-molested-her-as-child/?test=latestnews#ixzz20oIjtuXG

Two-page article

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/16/2897557/zimmerman-defense-attorney-will.html

“Witness 9” accused Zimmerman of sexually molesting her
Posted on Monday, 07.16.12

 ::snipping2::
She never went to the police, she said, because her mother told her that cases like hers become “he said/she said,” and get dropped. Zimmerman’s parents “pushed it under the rug and pretended it never happened,” she said.

However, she noted that neither Zimmerman’s parents nor her own ever heard the details of what she says happened. “I told them I didn’t want to talk about it,” she said.

Witness 9 told authorities that some of her memories on it were fuzzy, but she distinctly recalls telling some childhood friends. She blocked out even happy memories, she said.

Why then, investigators asked, was she coming forward now?

“It’s the first time in my life I’m not afraid of him,” she said. “I know nothing can get to me. He can’t get to me. I won’t go to Target and see him there anymore.”

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/16/2897557/zimmerman-defense-attorney-will.html#storylink=cpy

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/George-Zimmerman-jail-calls-released/-/1637132/15528110/-/d970om/-/index.html

Witness 9: George Zimmerman molested meJuly 16, 2012

URLs of Witness #9 statements: Parts 1 and 2

http://www.axiomamnesia.com/Audio/Trayvon-Zimmerman-Witness-Interviews/Trayvon_Martin_George_Zimmerman_Audio_ZIMMERMAN_INT_W9_1.mp3


http://www.axiomamnesia.com/Audio/Trayvon-Zimmerman-Witness-Interviews/Trayvon_Martin_George_Zimmerman_Audio_ZIMMERMAN_INT2_WIT9_R2.mp3

calls #1 - #10 are up now.....with call summaries being added as available. ..they're putting them all up in batches of 10.


http://trayvon.axiomamnesia.com/audio/george-zimmerman-jailhouse-calls/george-zimmerman-jailhouse-calls-1-10-released-7162012-audio/

The following is a list of full audio of jailhouse calls, released on 7/16/2012 and later, made by George Zimmerman while in jail at the Seminole County Detention Center in Florida.

Actually, I shouldn't have included the second link - it's a small portion of the beginning of the first link...redundant.

The woman also told state investigators that she anonymously called Sanford police after Martin's death.

"I was afraid that he may have done something because the kid was black," the woman says on the recordings. She said she had no direct knowledge of the shooting death, but wanted police to know Zimmerman had made negative comments about blacks when they were growing up. ::snipping2::

The woman said she was not the only victim. "It's not just me that he would do these things to," she told investigators. But the other alleged victim would never come forward, Witness 9 said, declining to give investigators her name: "She said she would deny it either way."
Edit to add date for article.  MB July 16, 2012
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/zimmerman-witness-sexual-molestation-160900334.html ::MonkeyMad::

http://gzlegalcase.com/

Zimmerman Defense Responds to Witness #9 Statements
on 16 July 2012.

Today the State released Witness #9's Statements along with Mr. Zimmerman's phone calls from jail in response to the Court's July 13 order.
 
In her statements, Witness #9, who is George Zimmerman's cousin, alleges that Mr. Zimmerman inappropriately touched her beginning when she was 6 and Mr. Zimmerman was almost 8, and that it continued on occasion until she was 16 and Mr. Zimmerman was 17.
 
The defense moved to block the public release of Witness #9's statement in a motion filed on June 18, 2012 contending "The content of this statement is not relevant to the issues of this case, and it would not be admissible in the State's case in chief." The motion further contends that this irrelevant statement should be withheld from public dissemination because of the substantial risk that public disclosure will lead to widespread hostile publicity which would substantially impair the Defendant's fair trial rights, and would pose a serious threat to the administration of justice.
 
That request was denied on July 13, 2012 by Judge Lester. Because there is a Motion for Disqualification pending, this morning, we asked the prosecution not to release Witness #9's statement until there was a ruling on the Motion for Disqualification. This is an appropriate request as, should the motion for disqualification be granted, reconsideration of recent rulings by the judge is appropriate. However, the prosecution elected to make the public disclosure anyway.
 
Now that this statement is part of the public record, the defense will vigorously defend Mr. Zimmerman against the allegations. In the next several weeks, there will be reciprocal discovery filed regarding Witness #9's statement.
 ::snipping2::

ive been following,wow, you just never know what will come out of left field

George Zimmerman's cousin accuses him of sexual molestation
 ::snipping2::
George Zimmerman, the man charged with the murder of a black teenager in Florida, has now also been accused of sexually molesting his cousin. In other developments relating to the case, supporters of Zimmerman aim to postpone plans for a memorial for the slain teenager.

 By Barbara Liston, Reuters / July 16, 2012
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2012/0716/George-Zimmerman-s-cousin-accuses-him-of-sexual-molestation

 ::MonkeyKiss::I know right?

What makes u believe this witness?

Monday, July 16, 2012 - 13:02:55
Human rightsTrayvon Martin's parents to appear in Little Rock

A news release says the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Executives, meeting in Little Rock next week, will hear from the parents of Trayvon Martin at a civil rights breakfast at 8 a.m. Tuesday. Martin is the 17-year-old black youth shot in Sanford, Fla., in a case that has drawn worldwide attention for the police's initial decision not to charge the shooter, George Zimmerman, though Martin was unarmed.
 
Also speaking will be former Little Rock Mayor Lottie Shackelford. Awards also are planned, including to the Little Rock Nine; to Keith Jackson for his P.A.R.K. after-school program; to William "Sonny" Walker, a former Arkansan, for his civil rights work, and to former  Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders.

http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/archives/human-rights/

Does anyone know how to access transcripts for JVM - tonight's transcript in particular?

Witness#9 sounds like she is seeking revenge of some sort on GZ.  Not only is she contradictory to most of the other character witnesses, she sounds like she has credibility problems in not wanting to testify.  I would think that all the other favorable character witnesses would create a shadow of a doubt over the negative ones.

Two-page article

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/16/2897557/zimmerman-defense-attorney-will.html

“Witness 9” accused Zimmerman of sexually molesting her
Posted on Monday, 07.16.12

 ::snipping2::
Defense attorney Mark O’Mara called the accusation a “side tornado that comes with a hurricane” -- you have to wait for it to blow over.

“It’s completely irrelevant, and now we will have to waste 50 hours on something that will never make it to a courtroom,” he told The Miami Herald Monday night. “He denies it. He is saying that it never happened.”

O’Mara said he’s now put in the position of having to discredit the woman, by pointing out things like that she tried to sell her story to People magazine.

In her statement, witness 9 said she kept the allegations secret for years because everyone in her family adores Zimmerman.

“He made everyone love him, made everyone laugh and be happy around him,” she said, adding that to her father, Zimmerman was like the son he never had.
 ::snipping2::

Crump and his team have known about the woman from the early stages of the case because she approached them after calling the police and prosecutors. Orlando attorney Natalie Jackson, who also represents Trayvon’s family, spoke to witness 9, but declined to discuss what she said.

Reached earlier this month by The Miami Herald, “witness 9” declined to be interviewed.

Erin Russell, a Chicago lawyer who has been blogging about the case regularly, said the woman’s testimony is so damaging to Zimmerman that prosecutors are probably hoping that Zimmerman is so worried about her that it will keep him from testifying at his trial. In a self-defense case, his testimony would be vital — and witness 9 could then be called to challenge his testimony.

“The minute he says he is a person of good character, that opens the door to, ‘Really?’” Russell said. “They’re trying to pressure him off the stand, and to take a deal.”

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/16/2897557/zimmerman-defense-attorney-will.html#storylink=cpy

https://twitter.com/marknejame


Mark NeJame‏@MarkNeJame
@iminshock @jasongoodman31 Real clear O didn't know of $. Judge acknowledged too. O brought it to judges attn as soon as he knew. Ethical.


Mark NeJame‏@MarkNeJame
@jasongoodman31 @seanlamontlove O is very smart. Only board certified atty in Fl. In both criminal & family. I worked w him & against.


Mark NeJame‏@MarkNeJame
@jasongoodman31 @seanlamontlove Actually 6 in Florida unless capital.Jury selection likely eliminate public opinion factor. eg Casey Anthony

Here it is, Puzzler.  Just wait for it to be posted--probably later this evening.  If you need help, just let me know.  :)

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/ijvm.html

grace - TY

This doesn't sound good at all.  I heard on JVM tonight from Natalie Jackson (attorney for TM's family) that they've known W9 for some time.  Also, a tweet by Daralene Jones (wftv reporter) on May 17 in which she says she believes she got an anonymous call from W9 - voice sounds familiar and story sounds familiar. 

So, maybe that's what has seemed off to this whole thing today - W9 shopping her story?

Cousin (Witness 9) of George Zimmerman Claims He Sexually Abused Her as a Child over 10 Years (Audio) … Mark O’Mara Says, “The content of this statement is not relevant to the issues of this case, and it would not be admissible in the state’s case”

http://scaredmonkeys.com/2012/07/16/cousin-of-george-zimmerman-claims-he-sexually-abused-her-as-a-child-over-10-years-mark-omara-says-the-content-of-this-statement-is-not-relevant-to-the-issues-of-this-case-and-it-would-not-be/


I really have to question the prosecution and Judge Lester for putting this out in the public forum and allowing it to be made public. It has nothing to do with this case and will never be allowed in the trial, so the only reason it was made public was to incite the public and taint a jury pool.

I am a victims rights advocate, but this does nothing but lower the bar of justice. This girl had never come forward? If she had, did anyone take her seriously or deem her credible?

This really is smarmy and reeks more of politics than a court of justice.

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1207/16/ijvm.01.html

JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL
Girls Vanish During Bike Ride
Aired July 16, 2012 - 19:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
 ::snipping2::
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Tonight, new ugly allegations emerge in the Trayvon Martin shooting case. A new witness steps forward and accuses shooter, the volunteer neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman of racism and of a decade of sexual abuse.
 
George Zimmerman, currently out of jail in a safe house awaiting trial after gunning down unarmed teen Trayvon Martin. Cops interview scores of witnesses including one woman who lashed out against the shooter with disturbing new claims. Defense attorney, Mark O`Meara, says this is George Zimmerman`s own cousin.

The police audio of this mystery witness called Witness Number Nine was just released. And what she has to say is shocking. Listen.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
 
WITNESS NUMBER 9: It started when I was six. He`s about almost two years older than I am. He would reach under the blankets and try to do things. I would try to push him off but he was bigger and stronger and older. It was in front of everybody. And I don`t know how I didn`t say anything, but I just didn`t know any better.

(END AUDIO CLIP)
 
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Let`s reemphasize what this mystery Witness Number Nine has said is that Zimmerman was just eight years old when she claims he began touching her inappropriately. She says it continued until he was 17. We will not be naming Witness Number Nine. We have reached out to her for comment and we`re told that nobody in her family would be speaking to the media.
 
Zimmerman`s defense team fought tooth and nails to keep this evidence from being released, arguing right up until the very moment it was made public.
 
Now that it`s out Zimmerman`s attorney Mark O`Meara says, quote, "This statement is not relevant to this." He also says it will not be admissible in the trial. Instead it should not have been made public because this claim is likely to lead to widespread hostile publicity against George Zimmerman that could substantially impair his fair trial rights, obviously.
 
Zimmerman has already been the target of nationwide public hostility. There were nationwide marches and protests calling for his arrest.
 
Does this change your opinion of George Zimmerman? Call me 1-877-JVM- SAYS. That`s 1-877-586-7297.
 
Straight out to Natalie Jackson, we are delighted to have her. She`s the attorney for Trayvon Martin`s family. Natalie thank you for being here.
 
What`s your reaction to this claim of mystery Witness Number Nine who claims George Zimmerman touched her inappropriately starting when he was 8 years old. A lot of people are saying it`s irrelevant. It`s prejudicial and he was only 8 when it started allegedly.

NATALIE JACKSON, ATTORNEY FOR TRAYVON MARTIN`S FAMILY: Well, I have to tell you Jane, our defense team, we have known about this witness for a while. We decided not to talk about her because we felt that it was her story to tell and it was, you know, out of respect for her privacy.
 
What a lot of people have forgotten is that this witness made a phone call to the police department two days after the shooting. This was before any media got involved. This was before she knew that this case would be on a public and such a large national and global scale. She was just trying to do the right thing.
 
My heart really goes out to her because I don`t think she meant for this to become a public incident. And I don`t think she meant for her life to be examined or George`s life to be examined. She was just trying to give the police information on what she knew about George Zimmerman.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Yes. Natalie, I was asking you -- first of all. We don`t know who she is. I don`t know how much her life has been disrupted. But for those who say this should never have been released. It`s irrelevant. It`s highly prejudicial. And how can you blame somebody for something that allegedly happened -- started when they were 8?

JACKSON: It will be relevant. I believe the prosecutor has inferred in this case that she`ll be used as a rebuttal witness. That means that if there`s any testimony from George Zimmerman`s side or from the defense side that he -- he doesn`t have racial tendencies or he is not a violent person, I believe that`s why they disclosed her.
 
Because she called -- the first statement from her that was released was the statement that she made just to inform the police department to look further into this because she believes that race may have played a part in it. And, you know, she`s known him for a very, very long time. So I think that -- like I said --

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Mark Eiglarsh, criminal defense attorney, your thoughts on relevance and the prejudicial nature, if so.
 
MARK EIGLARSH, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Once again, I find myself thoroughly disagreeing with Miss Jackson. Not because I want to be argumentative but I completely disagree. There`s no legal relevance whatsoever to this alleged -- these allegations that took place when he was a child. I have no idea if it`s true or not. But that has nothing to do with a shooting case.
 
Now as it relates to her alleges of racism, what she`s alleging is his family, they`re all racist, and she gives an explanation of why she believes the mother is a racist. And maybe the mother is. I have no idea. But when asked what specific words flowed from George Zimmerman`s lips to cause you to conclude that he was a racist, she couldn`t give anything specific.
 
And furthermore she was asked did you see him act out in any manner to suggest that he was a racist? No. She can`t give any example. So once again I find this witness to be not credible, not usable, completely irrelevant.
 ::snipping2::
VELEZ-MITCHELL: All right, we`re talking about George Zimmerman and we wanted to play a clip, because there`s this new witness, mystery Witness Number Nine who claims that George Zimmerman and his whole family had kind of a racist attitude. We`ll play a clip -- and it`s about 21 seconds -- and then we`ll get Natalie Jackson`s reaction to that.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
 
WITNESS NUMBER 9: I was afraid that he may have done something because the kid was black. Because growing up, they`ve always made -- him and his family have always made statements that they don`t like black people if they don`t act like white people.

(END AUDIO CLIP)
 
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Natalie Jackson, attorney for Trayvon Martin`s family, this kind of dovetails with a former colleague who was Arab- American who said that George Zimmerman impersonated him as a terrorist character. Your thoughts?

JACKSON: Well, my thoughts on this is I want to go back to whether or not she is admissible into this case. This is about George Zimmerman`s mentality. She could be called as a rebuttal witness -- I`ll still stand by that. Now, he can decide what part of her testimony she can talk about.
 
A judge may rule that what she says about any accusations and molestations irrelevant and may allow other testimony in about what she says about the racial ideologies he had. My thoughts in it is that it`s going to depend on how the door is opened, how she is brought in. The state has listed her as a witness in this case and they have indicated that they will use her as a rebuttal witness.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: All right. Quickly, Mark Eiglarsh.

EIGLARSH: Yes. Anything or anyone could be listed as a rebuttal witness, it doesn`t mean that they have anything of value to say. They have to prove that this was ill will, hatred, or spite which is what caused Zimmerman to act. And I don`t see it so far.
  ::snipping2::

Two-page article

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/16/2898502/jail-call-says-defense-attorney.html

Jail call says defense attorney knew about Zimmerman’s hidden money
Posted on Monday, 07.16.12

Prosecutors released nearly 150 of George Zimmerman’s recorded jailhouse phone calls Monday, including one that suggests his defense attorney knew from the start that tens of thousands of dollars in donations had begun pouring in.

In a phone call recorded April 14 between Zimmerman and a friend named Scott, the two discuss the new defense lawyer and the attorney’s vision for an upcoming bond hearing. Zimmerman tells his friend that he told his new attorney, Mark O’Mara, that he tried to transfer $37,000 from his online legal defense fund site, but could not complete the transaction because of PayPal rules that prevent transfers larger than $10,000.

He twice mentions telling O’Mara about the money.

“He said he’s going to have me declared indigent,” Zimmerman told his friend. “I told him I didn’t think that would be possible, because there was one sizable transfer I tried to make. It got stopped. You know, $37. He said: ‘Well that doesn’t matter. Right now you’re not working. You’re not providing an income for your family. You’re probably not going to be employable for the rest of your life.’”
 ::snipping2::

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/16/2898502/jail-call-says-defense-attorney.html#storylink=cpy

Grace-land - TY for the JVM transcript!

You're welcome, Puzzler!  ::MonkeyCool::

https://twitter.com/DaraleneJones (https://twitter.com/DaraleneJones)

24m Daralene Jones ‏@DaraleneJones
Checking to see if that means we could get ruling today...I doubt it.

27m Daralene Jones ‏@DaraleneJones
Court spokesperson told me yesterday Judge was waiting to rule on ‪#GeorgeZimmerman‬'s request for new judge until he had state's response

28m Daralene Jones ‏@DaraleneJones
State says just because you don't like ruling, doesn't mean you have the right to ask fo ra new judge ‪#GeorgeZimmerman‬
\
29m Daralene Jones ‏@DaraleneJones
State slams ‪#GeorgeZimmerman‬'s attorney, Mark O'Mara for numerous media appearances, in its motion to objecting to request for new judge

31m Daralene Jones ‏@DaraleneJones
State notes this is second time ‪#GeorgeZimmerman‬ has requested a new judge

33m Daralene Jones ‏@DaraleneJones
State just filed a motion to object to ‪#GeorgeZimmerman‬'s request for a new judge. Reading it now

It's time for new players all around...new judge, new state atty, new def atty.  They all seem to be in it for the wrong reasons. 

SHOCKING REVELATION! Fox News Host Sean Hannity Offered To Pay George Zimmerman's Legal Fees!

Read more: http://globalgrind.com/news/fox-news-host-sean-hannity-mark-omara-trayvon-martin-phone-calls-pay-george-zimmermans-legal-fees-details#ixzz20u4WS786

https://twitter.com/DaraleneJones (https://twitter.com/DaraleneJones)

Daralene Jones ‏@DaraleneJones
Court officials: "Judge Lester is on vaca until July 27, so sounds like it could be a while before he rules on whether GZ gets new judge  55s

I don't know what/who globalgrind is - but I don't really see Sean Hannity going for Jose Baez as Zim's attorney.  I know Sean Hannity has taken an interest in this case from the beginning - but I'm not sure I understand why he would spend a lot of money on Baez.

I don't see SH doing it but I can see Geraldo forking over the cash as long as his good buddy Bozo gets a job.

GR was my first thought as well.  I have sent a request into snopes.com asking if they can get to the truth of this.  We shall see.....

http://www.wesh.com/blob/view/-/15577874/data/1/-/7o1d0uz/-/State-responds.pdf

State's Response to Defendant's Verified Motion to Disqualify Trial Judge

DON'T MISS THE DANA PRETZER SHOW AT 9PM ET!

(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a306/klaasend/Pretzer07172.jpg)

Click on the link below at 9pm ET to listen:

http://scaredmonkeysradio.com/radio.m3u

 ::MonkeyHaHa::

https://twitter.com/RichardHornsby (https://twitter.com/RichardHornsby)

Richard Hornsby ‏@RichardHornsby
‪#SeanHannity‬ works for FOX. ‪#GeraldoRivera‬ works for FOX. ‪#JoseBaez‬ and ‪#GeraldoRivera‬ are in Bromance. Math is simple. ‪#GeorgeZimmerman‬

You can listen to George's jail house calls with him talking about Sean Hannity "code name SH", and Jose, "code name JB" where he blabbers on about them. He uses Jose's whole name several times......one of the times IIRC, he hung up on Jose. LOL

Seriously, these calls show George's true colors.....he is a disgusting, vile person, IMO.
Not one word of regret, remorse, nothing. In fact he JOKES about going to a Trayvon rally if he gets out on bond the Saturday of the rally. Oh, and he's gonna wear a "hoodie". Then chuckles after telling Shellie.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/18/us/zimmerman-lawyer-denies-revelations-in-martin-case.html

Zimmerman Lawyer Denies Revelations in Martin Case
Published: July 17, 2012

 ::snipping2::
On Tuesday, Mr. O’Mara said in an interview that he recalled having a conversation with Mr. Zimmerman where a transfer was mentioned but it did not involve a discussion of $37,000 or any large sum of money. Mr. O’Mara said he listened to the tape Monday night and spoken to Mr. Zimmerman about it.

“He didn’t have a conversation about 37 with me,” Mr. O’Mara said. “If there was $37,000 floating around somewhere, I would have been interested in it for a number of reasons.”

“It would have been money for bond, money that would have been disclosed and money for attorney’s fees,” he said.

Mr. O’Mara said he was aware at the time that there were two other Web sites raising money for Mr. Zimmerman with a total of $2,200.

“He did say something about talking to me about the transfer not going through, but it wasn’t particularly relevant to me,” he said. “That was all I remember.”

“There would have been no reason not to disclose that in court if we had known,” Mr. O’Mara added.
 

Fox News: Sean Hannity Has Never Offered To Pay For George Zimmerman’s Legal Fees
July 17 '12

Global Grind, the news website owned by hip hop mogul Russell Simmons, posted an article claiming that Fox News host Sean Hannity offered to pay for the legal defense fund of George Zimmerman, the man accused of shooting and killing Trayvon Martin earlier this year.
 
The article is based on transcripts of jailhouse phone calls in which Zimmerman is speaking in coded language to friends and family.
 
An FNC spokesperson tells TVNewser “Sean Hannity has never offered to pay any legal fees or any fee associated with George Zimmerman.”
 
In one of the transcripts highlighted by Global Grind, Zimmerman explains that an “SH” has offered money for his defense fund, and later explains to his friend how to reach him. Global Grind says that it confirmed with a “rock solid source” that the email address referenced in the call is one used by Hannity. FNC’s statement refutes that claim.
 
Global Grind is in an interesting position. Simmons is an acquaintance of Fox News CEO Roger Ailes, as we have noted before.  ::snipping2:: 

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/fox-news-sean-hannity-has-never-offered-to-pay-for-george-zimmermans-legal-fees_b137894

Two-page article

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2012/0717/George-Zimmerman-Is-the-prosecution-damaging-his-credibility

George Zimmerman: Is the prosecution damaging his credibility?
 July 17, 2012

 ::snipping2::
The legal wrangling in the case to date will present difficulties for Zimmerman in the eventual trial to maintain credibility to jurors, legal experts say.

“There are potential enormous negative ramifications presented as a result of this entire bail debacle,” says Marcellus McRae, a former US prosecutor now in private practice in Los Angeles. “You already have someone the judge has signaled in this context has credibility problems. You have to think you don’t get that many missteps before it becomes even more critical.”

Zimmerman did not testify in the bail hearing, which Mr. McRae says suggest his attorneys are planning to keep him off the stand during a trial. That decision, McRae says, “will significantly undermine his effort to get his story across,” which might otherwise be considered powerful testimony when compared to prosecutorial witnesses who were not present at the time of the killing.

Another complication for Zimmerman is his wife, Shellie Zimmerman, who is now embroiled in criminal charges of her own. That makes her credibility suffer, which is a loss considering spouses of criminal defendants are often powerful advocates in the courtroom.

“You’ve got a situation where perhaps two of the chief advocates for Mr. Zimmerman may be silenced. Or, if they aren’t silenced, significantly undermine his credibility,” McRae says.

Another tape released Monday is of an unnamed woman, identified by the defense as a cousin of Zimmerman's, who is heard telling investigators he sexually groped her when they were young children. The woman said Zimmerman first molested her when she was 6 and the episodes continued until she was around 16. Zimmerman is two years older than the accuser.

Her family confronted Zimmerman years later but they failed to file criminal charges, she said.

Although it is not yet known how prosecutors plan to use the woman’s accusations, Jules Epstein, a law professor at Widener University of Law in Philadelphia who specializes in cases involving sex crimes, finds it “unimaginable” the statements would be admissible in the trial.
 ::snipping2::

https://www.facebook.com/InSession


In Session
3 minutes ago
Will Jose Baez Join Zimmerman Defense Team?
Long-time friend and supporter of George Zimmerman, Frank Taaffe says he was contacted by someone who's interested in having Jose Baez join Zimmerman's defense team. At 12:40, Taaffe will be on In Session talking with Vinnie Politan about the likelihood that Baez will be involved, and who offered to pay for Zimmerman's defense.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/17/2900145/zimmerman-spent-35k-on-cell-phones.html#storylink=omni_popular

Posted on Tuesday, 07.17.12
 
Zimmerman spent $36K in 18 days on phones, Internet, credit cards and bills

By Frances Robles
frobles@MiamiHerald.com

George Zimmerman went through almost $36,000 of contributions in 18 days spent mostly in jail, spending a bulk of his newfound cash on telecommunications, newly filed court records show.

Using funds donated from the public on the short-lived www.therealgeorgezimmerman.com, Zimmerman and his wife spent $6,500 on Internet and phone bills, according to a document his defense attorney filed with the judge. He and his wife bought new cell phones for $300 each and paid a year-long Verizon contract in full. They installed a telephone landline for $2,500 and spent $1,300 on a two-year AT&T wi-fi contract.

They paid off at least $7,000 in credit card bills.

They used $4,378 on automotive expenses, making payments on two car loans while renting another for more than $1,500. Gas: $800.

In a May letter to Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester, O’Mara called the spending “judicious.”

 ::snipping2::

Zimmerman paid off a $3,000 loan to his parents, paid $5,000 for bond, spent $800 at the jail commissary and $600 on jailhouse calling cards. The couple spent about $1,300 on food and $400 on utilities and $1,900 on rent.

Zimmerman and his wife, Shellie, both unemployed, incurred unexpected expenses because they were forced to leave their house in a hurry in face of death threats and heated tensions. That, he said, is why some of the credit card bills are quite steep.

In jailhouse calls released last month by the state attorney’s office, Zimmerman was heard telling his wife to pay off all their bills.

They spent almost $4,000 on American Express alone.

O’Mara stressed that Zimmerman turned over the $123,000 balance to his attorney and that he advised Zimmerman to keep another $20,000 in cash for future expenses.

The expense list covered the period from April 9 when the website went up until April 27, just after the Zimmermans turned over the balance to a legal trust fund.

The judge did not buy the argument and instead said he believed Zimmerman was preparing for a life on the run. He revoked Zimmerman’s bond, and then issued a scathing order raising the bond to $1 million. Now O’Mara is asking for a new judge, saying he believes Lester has shown such prejudice that Zimmerman can’t possibly get a fair trial from him.

In a court document filed Tuesday, Assistant State Attorney Bernie de la Rionda called the argument “absurd.” He criticized O’Mara’s frequent television appearances, and listed several special considerations Lester gave his client, such as letting him serve out his bond out of state.

Bank records submitted as evidence indicate Zimmerman spent at least part of that time on the Maryland shore.

 ::snipping2::

FOX News Channel’s Hannity to Present Exclusive Interview with George Zimmerman
July 16 '12

FOX News Channel’s (FNC) Sean Hannity has secured the first interview with George Zimmerman, the suspect accused of killing Florida teenager Trayvon Martin, which will be presented exclusively during Hannity tonight at 9PM/ET for the entire hour.

Zimmerman will open up about what happened the night of Trayvon Martin’s death and his experience in the aftermath of the fatal shooting. Additionally, Zimmerman’s defense attorney Mark O’Mara will answer questions regarding his client’s case and rumors circulating about the bail donations and hidden money.  ::snipping2:: 

http://money.msn.com/business-news/article.aspx?feed=BW&Date=20120718&ID=15345674&industry=IND_MEDIA&isub=

I don't even want to hear them cry "we can't get a fair trial".  ::MonkeyNoNo::

I agree, Tups.  Why would he put himself out there, like this, in the media?
I honestly don't know what happened that night, and if I was on a jury, I would do my best to be fair and follow the law  BUT  I just think it was WRONG of Zimmerman to go hunting down TM.  JMO

Sandra Olsson Mackey · Top Commenter · Fort Lauderdale, Florida
July 17 '12

Wow, shocking that the news would report inaccurate and inflammatory information. If you listen to the entire tape, he is NOT making fun of Trayvon. They are discussing his safety while leaving jail and talking about laying down on the floor in the car and possibly wearing a hoodie. You guys are unbelievable.

http://www.11alive.com/comments/248687/40/George-Zimmerman-mocks-Trayvon-Martins-hoodie

https://www.facebook.com/InSession

In Session
3 hours ago
Vinnie's Interview with Frank Taaffe
To hear Vinnie Politan's full interview with George Zimmerman's friend Frank Taaffe on In Session, click here:  VIDEO at link


Sorry, I forgot how to put the video onto a post.  They just end up being white boxes whenever I try..  :smt102

http://www.wesh.com/news/national-news/Interview-Zimmerman-apologizes-again-for-teen-s-death/-/11788232/15596766/-/3jxr4a/-/index.html?absolute=true&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=wesh

By the CNN Wire Staff

Interview: Zimmerman apologizes again for teen's death
Shooting suspect sits for interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity
UPDATED 7:16 PM EDT Jul 18, 2012

(CNN) - The Florida neighborhood watch volunteer at the center of a national firestorm over race, crime and gun rights gave his first television interview Wednesday, apologizing again for killing an unarmed teenager.


George Zimmerman sat for an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, expressing his regrets to the parents of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder for shooting Martin in what he says was self-defense, and he apologized to Martin's parents during an April bond hearing.

"My wife and I don't have any children. I have nephews that I love more than life. I love them more than myself. And I know when they were born, it was a different unique bond and love that I have with them," Zimmerman told Fox in an excerpt released Wednesday evening. "And I love my children even though that they aren't born yet. I am sorry that they buried their child. I can't imagine what it must feel like. And I pray for them daily."

He loves his children that are not born yet?

Whoa...he has no clue.  He is backtracking with that statement.

A parent that has lost a child is not a group to which he wants to belong.  I feel for both parties, but when he took his gun out and walked that neighborhood, he is responsible for what he did with that gun.

TM did not come into his home - to do wrong.

I dont think him doing an interview was a great idea & I didnt hear what he had to say, but just maybe he wanted to have his own voice be heard with all of the character assassination that he has endured since this happened. I dont know what kind of person he really is but then again, none of us as spectators of this circus have any way of really knowing. We might think he is racist, a molester &that he thinks he can live the high life with all of the money thats been donated to him. Or, we could be logival & think that there is a possibility that none of those things are true. We could think its possible that the media, tne parents, sharpton etc have turned this into a racial thing to fit their own agenda, that the accuser of molestation is embellishing to have her 15 minutes now instead of coming out with het story when the limelight wasnt on (no money for interviews in that), & that maybe gz knows that most if not all of the donations will go toward his defense sine theres no way he &his wife are employable now. We could also think its downright disturbing that tms parents are traveling the world & cashing on their dead son.,this case would have gotten more sympathy from me for the loss of this poor kid if it hadnt been turned into a race war, chance for some to make a name for themselves or a podium for race baiters to spew some hate. Jmo, flame away.

May be true but how can u know that tm did not resent being watched &followed & confront gz thereby putting himself right there to allow a struggle to go very badly?

"They installed a telephone landline for $2,500" quote.

Why, as claimed by the judge... would they install a landline if planning to flee?
Edit to fix quotes-missing bracket.  MB

http://www.twitlonger.com/show/id5l86

A Statement from Trayvon Martin’s Family in Response to George Zimmerman’s TV Interview: Zimmerman said that he did not regret getting out of his vehicle, he did not regret following Trayvon, in fact he did not regret anything he did that night. In conclusion, he wouldn’t do anything different. He concluded it was God’s plan. “We must worship a different God because there is no way that MY GOD would have wanted George Zimmerman to KILL my teenage son.” Tracy Martin, father of Trayvon Martin.

Edit to add hyperlink

OH! I guess you don't need one for a TwitLonger......NICE!

I watched most of the interview.....it was VERY rehearsed.  One thing that really bothered me was GZ said that the media turned a positive story into a negative story.   For the life of me, I can't figure out how taking one's life is positive.   jmo

I, too, watched most of it...darned interruptions!

Let's face it, the guy can't win for losing. He has the world media against him as per inflamatory headlines and deceptive reporting.

He came across as a decent, nice guy to me. I believe he had to do this to at least try to counter all the slimeball reporting we see.

Of course it won't work because the media has made up their minds that this man is a racist, no-good b@$&^%d.

Those who believe his version will continue to do so, those who do not...same.

And I'm not sure where you got the 'rehearsed'...I didn't see that

Fox News Sean Hannity Gets George Zimmerman’s Exclusive Interview … Discusses Night He Shot Trayvone Martin, “I Looked up and He Punched Me and Broke my Nose.” … He Prays for Trayvon’s Family Daily (VIDEO)

http://scaredmonkeys.com/2012/07/18/fox-news-sean-hannity-gets-george-zimmermans-exclusive-interview-discusses-night-he-shot-trayvone-martin-i-looked-up-and-he-punched-me-and-broke-my-nose-he-prays-for-trayvons-family/

::snipping2:: ::snipping2::

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2175901/Barbara-Walters-appalled-George-Zimmerman-demands-wife-hotel-MONTH-exchange-interview-backs-out.html

Barbara Walters 'appalled' after George Zimmerman demands he and wife be put up in hotel for a MONTH in exchange for interview and backs out
Walters flew to Florida to speak with Zimmerman but pulled out
Already bitter she did not get exclusive
Fox News' Sean Hannity landed first interview since February 26th shooting of Trayvon Martin
Zimmerman said shooting was all part of God's plan
Said he was not a racist or murderer
By BETH STEBNER and RACHEL QUIGLEY

PUBLISHED: 06:55 EST, 19 July 2012 | UPDATED: 08:59 EST, 19 July 2012

I just finished watching the entire interview.  We now know that Sean Hannity never made an offer to pay for Zim's defense fees (as I thought) and I now think this is a Geraldo "thing", he's probably the "rich man" who made the offer on the condition that Baez be co-counsel.  That's something Geraldo would do for his bud, Baez.
 
There was no friend "Jaffe" on to talk about adding Baez as co-counsel.
 
O'Mara (unlike a lot of attorneys) left Zim speak his mind with the exception of one response about the money - O'Mara asked him not to respond to a question about the money because Zim's wife has been charged with a crime and because of any future potential for Zim to be charged.
 
I was interested to hear Zim's explanations.  Only one time was I saying "huh?" (about would you do something differently and Zim said nothing), but by the end of the interview, Zim cleared that up by explaining his response was in how he interrupted Sean's question and then he responded to how Sean probably meant the question.

I do think that the interview was interesting to the end and for those who didn't watch it all, then chances are good that you missed and important comment.
 
So, all in all, I think it was a good interview - it set up his defense and O'Mara said that now that he's seen the prosecution's evidence that he "does" think SYG is good for Zim (when he talked about it some time ago and wasn't so sure about SYG - it was before he saw the evidence).

TRANSCRIPT

Exclusive: George Zimmerman breaks silence on 'Hannity'
Published July 18, 2012 | Hannity | Sean Hannity

Special Guests: George Zimmerman, Mark O'Mara

http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/hannity/2012/07/18/exclusive-george-zimmerman-breaks-silence-hannity

https://twitter.com/mattgutmanABC (https://twitter.com/mattgutmanABC)

Matt Gutman ‏@mattgutmanABC
therealgerogezimmerman website is back, and asking for donations. saying $211,000 fund is depleted.



https://twitter.com/DaraleneJones (https://twitter.com/DaraleneJones)

Daralene Jones ‏@DaraleneJones
Prosecutors just filed Sean Hannity interview as part of discovery (potential evidence) in its case against ‪#GeorgeZimmerman‬


https://twitter.com/orlandomicki (https://twitter.com/orlandomicki)

micki ‏@orlandomicki
Something turned her off.

27m micki ‏@orlandomicki
She said because she didn't do the other one she wouldn't do this one- wierd she was being so polite begging for one earlier.

29m micki ‏@orlandomicki
She called him stubborn and wouldn't agree to one of his request - smh

33m micki ‏@orlandomicki
@vlpate2 @KarenSL @artistofideas @YancyFaith @JaJasTweets Then refused interview cause not enough time but would gladly do one later.

micki ‏@orlandomicki
She would glady do one when she has more time.

40m micki ‏@orlandomicki
Mark O'Mara is on the the phone with Barbara and George Zimmerman did call and she refused the interview.

42m micki ‏@orlandomicki
Barbara must be having a long phone conversation!

44m micki ‏@orlandomicki
Well they got 15 minutes left.

49m micki ‏@orlandomicki
Barbara is absent from stage - wonder if she is now conducting her interview.

micki ‏@orlandomicki
George Zimmerman just called on "The view", Barbara Walters will do an interview after comercial break! 54m

https://twitter.com/bobkealing (https://twitter.com/bobkealing)

bob kealing ‏@bobkealing
‪#Zimmerman‬ attorney O'Mara says client is almost broke, doesn't rule out more interviews. ‪#TrayvonMartin‬  1m

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-07-19/news/os-george-zimmerman-interview-react-20120719_1_trayvon-martin-special-prosecutor-angela-corey-george-zimmerman

Lawyers react to George Zimmerman's interview with Hannity
1:26 p.m. EST, July 19, 2012

Central Florida criminal defense lawyers say it was a mistake for George Zimmerman to go on national television last night and do an hour-long interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, discussing what happened the night he killed Trayvon Martin.
 ::snipping2::

https://twitter.com/bobkealing (https://twitter.com/bobkealing)

bob kealing ‏@bobkealing
O'Mara confirms ‪#Zimmerman‬ has relaunched his own website which his client is controlling.   11m

https://twitter.com/DaraleneJones (https://twitter.com/DaraleneJones)

Daralene Jones ‏@DaraleneJones
Mark O'Mara said he may need to have ‪#GeorgeZimmerman‬ declared indigent ...legal fund nearly depleted

3m Daralene Jones ‏@DaraleneJones
Mark O'Mara said Barbara Walters interview cancelled b/c ‪#GeorgeZimmerman‬ wanted his wife put up for 30 days. Walters refused

4m Daralene Jones ‏@DaraleneJones
Mark O'Mara said so far only about one, two thousand raised after last night. Legal fund nearly depleted. ‪#GeorgeZimmerman‬

http://www.hlntv.com/video/2012/07/19/george-zimmerman-body-language

What does Zimmerman’s body language reveal?
By Anna Gonzalez
updated 2:18 PM EDT, Thu July 19, 2012

George Zimmerman gives first interview: What does it reveal?
Body language expert says Zimmerman disturbing to watch

https://twitter.com/SunnyHostin (https://twitter.com/SunnyHostin)

Sunny Hostin ‏@SunnyHostin
Barbara Walters says that Sean Hannity contributed to George Zimmerman's pay pal account.  2m

Zimmerman apologizes, relaunches website in TV interview
George Zimmerman says he trusts legal system
UPDATED 3:40 PM EDT Jul 19, 2012

 ::snipping2::
Prosecutors filed a supplemental discovery notice with one item on Thursday -- the interview. They say they may use his comments at trial.

Zimmerman's attorney, Mark O'Mara, said he is prepared to deal with what comes from his client's interview, but said he's not surprised by the state's decision to use the interview at trial.

"We'll deal with the fallout. It will be minimal," said O'Mara. "The timing wasn't great, but it was out of necessity. The family and defense fund is basically broke."

O'Mara said the interview was to publicize the relaunch of Zimmerman's own website, therealgeorgezimmerman.com, a website that Zimmerman himself controls.
 ::snipping2::

Read more: http://www.wesh.com/news/central-florida/trayvon-martin-extended-coverage/Zimmerman-apologizes-relaunches-website-in-TV-interview/-/14266478/15600606/-/ikgerxz/-/index.html#ixzz216GCHcbC

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/Mark-O-Mara-defends-George-Zimmerman-s-interview/-/1637132/15608544/-/nrq5m5/-/index.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Mark O'Mara defends George Zimmerman's interview
Parents of Trayvon Martin upset over Zimmerman's 'God's plan' comment

Published On: Jul 19 2012 03:54:58 PM EDT

SANFORD, Fla. -
The lawyer for George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watchman who shot and killed Trayvon Martin, defended statements made by Zimmerman in his first sit-down interview with Fox News Channel's Sean Hannity Wednesday night.

Attorney Mark O'Mara said Zimmerman's statement about not regretting the events leading him to shooting and killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, that it was "all God's plan," has been misconstrued.

"That phrase is used by a lot of God-fearing God-believing people to explain away bad things," O'Mara said.

O'Mara also said differences in some details in the accoutns his client gave polic eand Fox News won't hurt his case.

"I had always said that if you have somebody gives 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 statements over a period of time and they are completely consistent, then it's a lie," O'Mara said in response a question about whether Zimmerman's credibility was hurt.

The state said Thursday morning that it will seek to use Zimmerman's interview against him, leaving many questioning why Zimmerman would suspend his right to remain silent. The answer: Money.

"He needs money, there's no question about that, he needs to survive between now and the day of his acquittal," O'Mara told Local 6. "George and his family and the defense fund is basically broke."

While Fox paid notZimmerman had hoped to have his newly re-created website, TheRealGeorgeZimmerman.com, shown during his interview, according to O'Mara. O'Mara said his client was disappointed when it wasn't shown or mentioned.

"My understanding is it was going to be spoken about, so there was a disappointment there," O'Mara said.
 ::snipping2::

Watch Mark O'Mara's full interview
No date given at time of post

ORLANDO, Fla. - Mark O'Mara spoke Thursday about George Zimmerman's television interview. O'Mara said he is prepared to deal with what comes from his client's interview, but said he's not surprised by the state's decision to use the interview at trial.

Watch the whole interview here:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3


Read more: http://www.wesh.com/news/central-florida/trayvon-martin-extended-coverage/Watch-Mark-O-Mara-s-full-interview/-/14266478/15609250/-/tq0c1r/-/index.html#ixzz216Rou27X

Two-page article

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2012/0719/George-Zimmerman-s-Fox-News-interview-Risky-step-for-Trayvon-Martin-s-killer

George Zimmerman's Fox News interview: Risky step for Trayvon Martin's killer?
July 19, 2012

 ::snipping2::
Some legal analysts say that while it is certainly risky to put a defendant in a high-profile case in the media spotlight, the televised interview’s purpose was to present Mr. Zimmerman as a reasonable person and lawful gun owner who found himself trapped in an unpredictable situation, which justified the killing.

Despite the sympathy directed to the parents, Zimmerman appeared calm but resolute regarding his actions.

“It was all God’s plan, and for me to second guess it or judge it…,” he said, shaking his head. He later told Mr. Hannity he “would not have done anything differently” even though he wished “that there was something, anything I could have done that wouldn’t have put me in the position where I had to take [Martin’s] life.”

Zimmerman’s description of the events corresponds to Florida’s controversial “stand-your-ground” law at issue in this case. The law permits people to use lethal force when they fear great bodily injury or death.

Norm Pattis, a criminal defense attorney in New Haven, Conn., says that, while “it’s rarely a good idea” to expose defendants to the media because of the danger the prosecution can use their words against them in a trial, Zimmerman’s attorneys apparently used the Fox interview to successfully articulate his defense and to emphasize his credibility.

“[Zimmerman] wants to claim that, under the totality of the circumstances, homicide was justified and he had to do what he had to do. So he’s walking that line carefully since the trial will be about justified homicide,” Mr. Pattis says. “That is exactly what I expected him to say and it’s very, very shrewd.”
 ::snipping2::
 

https://twitter.com/SunnyHostin (https://twitter.com/SunnyHostin)

Sunny Hostin ‏@SunnyHostin
CORRECTION. Barbara Walters said Sean Hannity did NOT contribute to George Zimmerman's Pay Pal account in response to ? from Roseanne Barr.


 ::MonkeyNoNo::

https://twitter.com/RichardHornsby (https://twitter.com/RichardHornsby)

Richard Hornsby ‏@RichardHornsby
FYI: Was pointed out that #GeorgeZimmerman's 1st Motion to Recuse based on a diff section than his 2nd; so Lester will have to step aside. 3m

http://www.wftv.com/videos/news/raw-zimmerman-thanks-supporters-in-new-video/vctNQ/

Raw: Zimmerman thanks supporters in new video

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/Local-6-exclusive-George-Zimmerman-criticizes-defense-team-s-online-efforts/-/1637132/15611904/-/wml9udz/-/index.html

Local 6 exclusive: George Zimmerman criticizes defense team's online efforts
Zimmerman removes complaints on website's 'About' page

Author: Tony Pipitone, Problem Solver, tpipitone@clickorlando.com
Published On: Jul 19 2012 06:49:17 PM EDT  Updated On: Jul 19 2012 07:06:01 PM EDT

Sunny Hostin‏@SunnyHostin

@porcelain10 CORRECTION. Barbara Walters said Sean Hannity did NOT contribute to Zimmerman's Pay Pal account in response to ? from R.Barr
 

tupelohoney - TY  you're doing a yeoman's job of posting links
After I posted Sunny Hostin's correction above, I saw that you had already posted it - sorry.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/19/2902578/zimmerman-calls-barbara-walter.html

More twists as Zimmerman takes his case public
Posted on Thursday, 07.19.12

(snip) 
A flurry of bizarre turns the past two days suggest Zimmerman has begun to break away from the advice of his lawyer and take matters into his own hands. Legal experts say it’s a risky move for him to go so public, when he still faces the prospect of life in prison. Some question his attorney’s judgment in allowing him to continue that behavior.

“The client always calls the shots,” his lawyer, Mark O’Mara said Thursday. “If you’re on the streets or about to be hungry and worried for the wife you love, maybe you have to make decisions along the way.’’

(snip)
O’Mara says that despite the series what appear to be hasty choices – including a widely panned interview with Hannity that aired Wednesday – he has not lost control of his client.

“It was a team decision, made on the fly, quite quickly,” he said of the decision to call Walters. “Someone said she was talking about it on the show, so we jumped up and turned on the TV. There wasn’t a lot of forethought.”

(snip)
And why, so many experts have asked, did O’Mara allow a national interview before a second-degree murder trial, knowing it would wind up as evidence in his case? Because they’re broke, he said, a few hours after the Assistant State Attorney handling the case filed paperwork adding the interview the list of evidence.

(snip)
O’Mara said he allowed the interview because, for one, he believes his client is innocent. He also figured it would not be so damaging for him to make a public statement, when he had given so many statements to police already.

As for the revived website, he said Zimmerman always wanted to maintain his own web presence in the face of false rumors and imposters. O’Mara acknowledged being in “unchartered waters” in a case of this kind, and said he will check in on the site periodically.

“This has been the most difficult time of my life,” Zimmerman wrote. “Rumors and lies about the case and me are rampant on the Internet. I want to set the record straight about some things.’’

 

twitter.com/#!/bobkealing (http://twitter.com/#!/bobkealing)
Edit to hyperlink.  MB

#Zimmerman attorney O'Mara says client is almost broke, doesn't rule out more interviews. #TrayvonMartin

bob kealing ‏@bobkealing

O'Mara confirms #Zimmerman has relaunched his own website which his client is controlling. #TrayvonMartin

No need to be sorry, I do it more than I care too. 

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1207/16/ijvm.01.html
JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL

Girls Vanish During Bike Ride

Aired July 16, 2012 - 19:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
 ::snipping2::
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We`re getting new evidence now released by prosecutors.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: New FBI reports released just a few hours ago.

GEORGE ZIMMERMAN, CHARGED WITH TRAYVON MARTIN`S MURDER: He said, "You got a problem?" And I turned around. I said, "No, I don`t have a problem, man."

SYBRINA FULTON, MOTHER OF TRAYVON MARTIN: This is not about a black and white thing. This is about a right and wrong thing.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The question that a lot of people asking here, what role, if any, did race play in the case?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Somehow, Mr. Martin, because he`s wearing a hoodie is a criminal?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: George Zimmerman`s attorney meanwhile says he cannot get a fail trial because the judge in this case is biased.

Former neighborhood watch volunteer charged with killing Trayvon Martin wants Judge Kenneth Lester to step down from the case.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Tonight, new ugly allegations emerge in the Trayvon Martin shooting case. A new witness steps forward and accuses shooter, the volunteer neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman of racism and of a decade of sexual abuse.

George Zimmerman, currently out of jail in a safe house awaiting trial after gunning down unarmed teen Trayvon Martin. Cops interview scores of witnesses including one woman who lashed out against the shooter with disturbing new claims. Defense attorney, Mark O`Meara, says this is George Zimmerman`s own cousin.

The police audio of this mystery witness called Witness Number Nine was just released. And what she has to say is shocking. Listen.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

WITNESS NUMBER 9: It started when I was six. He`s about almost two years older than I am. He would reach under the blankets and try to do things. I would try to push him off but he was bigger and stronger and older. It was in front of everybody. And I don`t know how I didn`t say anything, but I just didn`t know any better.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Let`s reemphasize what this mystery Witness Number Nine has said is that Zimmerman was just eight years old when she claims he began touching her inappropriately. She says it continued until he was 17. We will not be naming Witness Number Nine. We have reached out to her for comment and we`re told that nobody in her family would be speaking to the media.

Zimmerman`s defense team fought tooth and nails to keep this evidence from being released, arguing right up until the very moment it was made public.

Now that it`s out Zimmerman`s attorney Mark O`Meara says, quote, "This statement is not relevant to this." He also says it will not be admissible in the trial. Instead it should not have been made public because this claim is likely to lead to widespread hostile publicity against George Zimmerman that could substantially impair his fair trial rights, obviously.


Zimmerman has already been the target of nationwide public hostility. There were nationwide marches and protests calling for his arrest.

Does this change your opinion of George Zimmerman? Call me 1-877-JVM- SAYS. That`s 1-877-586-7297.

Straight out to Natalie Jackson, we are delighted to have her. She`s the attorney for Trayvon Martin`s family. Natalie thank you for being here.

What`s your reaction to this claim of mystery Witness Number Nine who claims George Zimmerman touched her inappropriately starting when he was 8 years old. A lot of people are saying it`s irrelevant. It`s prejudicial and he was only 8 when it started allegedly.

NATALIE JACKSON, ATTORNEY FOR TRAYVON MARTIN`S FAMILY: Well, I have to tell you Jane, our defense team, we have known about this witness for a while. We decided not to talk about her because we felt that it was her story to tell and it was, you know, out of respect for her privacy.

What a lot of people have forgotten is that this witness made a phone call to the police department two days after the shooting. This was before any media got involved. This was before she knew that this case would be on a public and such a large national and global scale. She was just trying to do the right thing.

My heart really goes out to her because I don`t think she meant for this to become a public incident. And I don`t think she meant for her life to be examined or George`s life to be examined. She was just trying to give the police information on what she knew about George Zimmerman.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Yes. Natalie, I was asking you -- first of all. We don`t know who she is. I don`t know how much her life has been disrupted. But for those who say this should never have been released. It`s irrelevant. It`s highly prejudicial. And how can you blame somebody for something that allegedly happened -- started when they were 8?

JACKSON: It will be relevant. I believe the prosecutor has inferred in this case that she`ll be used as a rebuttal witness. That means that if there`s any testimony from George Zimmerman`s side or from the defense side that he -- he doesn`t have racial tendencies or he is not a violent person, I believe that`s why they disclosed her.

Because she called -- the first statement from her that was released was the statement that she made just to inform the police department to look further into this because she believes that race may have played a part in it. And, you know, she`s known him for a very, very long time. So I think that -- like I said --

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Mark Eiglarsh, criminal defense attorney, your thoughts on relevance and the prejudicial nature, if so.

MARK EIGLARSH, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Once again, I find myself thoroughly disagreeing with Miss Jackson. Not because I want to be argumentative but I completely disagree. There`s no legal relevance whatsoever to this alleged -- these allegations that took place when he was a child. I have no idea if it`s true or not. But that has nothing to do with a shooting case.

Now as it relates to her alleges of racism, what she`s alleging is his family, they`re all racist, and she gives an explanation of why she believes the mother is a racist. And maybe the mother is. I have no idea. But when asked what specific words flowed from George Zimmerman`s lips to cause you to conclude that he was a racist, she couldn`t give anything specific.

And furthermore she was asked did you see him act out in any manner to suggest that he was a racist? No. She can`t give any example. So once again I find this witness to be not credible, not usable, completely irrelevant.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: We asked you, our viewers, for pictures of your pets and here -- ah, look at little Boo. If you want to send one in, hlntv.com/Jane. Riley, you`re fabulous. Let`s see, Skip. Nice flowers Skip.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We`re currently doing an investigation into the cause of his death, there`s a security hold that`s going to be placed on the case. All we can confirm is that he has passed away, and we`ll be doing an autopsy in the next couple of days and the cause of death will probably be pending toxicology, (inaudible) pathology and further testing.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: All right, we`re talking about George Zimmerman and we wanted to play a clip, because there`s this new witness, mystery Witness Number Nine who claims that George Zimmerman and his whole family had kind of a racist attitude. We`ll play a clip -- and it`s about 21 seconds -- and then we`ll get Natalie Jackson`s reaction to that.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

WITNESS NUMBER 9: I was afraid that he may have done something because the kid was black. Because growing up, they`ve always made -- him and his family have always made statements that they don`t like black people if they don`t act like white people.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Natalie Jackson, attorney for Trayvon Martin`s family, this kind of dovetails with a former colleague who was Arab- American who said that George Zimmerman impersonated him as a terrorist character. Your thoughts?

JACKSON: Well, my thoughts on this is I want to go back to whether or not she is admissible into this case. This is about George Zimmerman`s mentality. She could be called as a rebuttal witness -- I`ll still stand by that. Now, he can decide what part of her testimony she can talk about.

A judge may rule that what she says about any accusations and molestations irrelevant and may allow other testimony in about what she says about the racial ideologies he had. My thoughts in it is that it`s going to depend on how the door is opened, how she is brought in. The state has listed her as a witness in this case and they have indicated that they will use her as a rebuttal witness.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: All right. Quickly, Mark Eiglarsh.

EIGLARSH: Yes. Anything or anyone could be listed as a rebuttal witness, it doesn`t mean that they have anything of value to say. They have to prove that this was ill will, hatred, or spite which is what caused Zimmerman to act. And I don`t see it so far.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

 ::snipping2::

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1207/19/ddhln.01.html
DR. DREW
Missing Kids; Living with a Mental Illness
Aired July 19, 2012 - 21:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DR. DREW PINSKY, HOST: Here we go.
 ::snipping2::
PINSKY: Thank you, Patrick. George Zimmerman`s shocking interview about the night he shot Trayvon Martin. I want to hear from you about that. I`ll be joined by Marcia Clark. Our number here, 855-DrDrew5.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PINSKY: George Zimmerman says it was God`s plan that brought he and Trayvon Martin together the night of their deadly confrontation. I`m not so sure. I think it was Mr. Zimmerman following Trayvon and making Trayvon suspicious that led to all the trouble, but Zimmerman admits to shooting Trayvon in the chest.

He says it was self-defense. He`s out on bail, charged with second- degree murder. Last night, he spoke to Fox News` Sean Hannity. Take a look.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE ZIMMERMAN, ACCUSED OF KILLING TRAYVON MARTIN: I felt he was suspicious because it was raining. He was in between houses, cutting in between houses, and he was walking very leisurely for the weather. He started bashing my head into the concrete sidewalk. As soon as he broke my nose, I started yelling for help.

So, I was disoriented, and he started slamming my head into concrete. He said you`re going to die tonight (EXPLETIVE DELETED) and took one hand off of my mouth and I felt it going down my chest towards my belt and my holster and that`s when I didn`t have any more time.

(END VIDEO CLIP)


PINSKY: Joining us, Marcia Clark, former prosecutor and author of "Guilt By Degrees." Marcia, do you think it was a good idea for Zimmerman`s attorney to allow him to address the media?

MARCIA CLARK, FORMER PROSECUTOR: I`m of two minds about that, Drew. You know, I`m not sure. Usually, I would say categorically no. It`s always a bad idea. Don`t let your client be out there. Don`t let the prosecution get preview of what he`s going to say so they can be ready to punch holes in it. In this case, though, it may be the right thing for him to do, because there`s so much out there that`s bad for him, so much anti- Zimmerman opinion, theory, evidence that he wants to start back spinning it.

He needs to backspin. He needs to start creating a doubt in people`s minds. And so, having Zimmerman out there saying there`s another side, here`s my side to erode some of that certainty is probably a good move.

PINSKY: Do you think that by going out there and eroding some of that opinion, he can affect jury selection or who might be in that jury pool?

CLARK: Oh, that`s the idea.

PINSKY: OK.
CLARK: Generally. Oh, yes. That`s definitely what they`re doing. They`re trying to taint the jury pool or they would say balance the jury pool.
PINSKY: Taint or balance. That`s how we look at it. Now, after the interview, Zimmerman re-launched his website. It`s called TheRealGeorgeZimmerman.com asking supporters to donate to his defense fund. Take a look at this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ZIMMERMAN: However, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, the masses. This is our website. It`s not my website. It is our website where you can personally communicate with me, and I hope to be your website to provide the facts.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PINSKY: Again, do you think his attorney was endorsing, allowing, embracing this idea?

CLARK: That, I`m not sure of. I don`t know what compliant client he is or not. And that has a lot to do with it. He`s shown himself to kind of be a little bit of a loose cannon in the beginning of this case. So, he may have gone off on his own to do this one. I don`t know. I don`t recommend what he`s doing here.

And if he`s trying to actually interact spontaneously with people who call in and ask for his side of the story, that`s an even worse idea. Horrible idea.

PINSKY: But he does need money for his defense fund.

CLARK: Yes, I`m sure.

PINSKY: Let`s take a quick call. Let`s talk to Randi in Florida -- Randi.

PINSKY: Randi.
RANDI: I guess, you know, after the watching the interview last night, I was really very confused and I still don`t understand why Zimmerman did not identify himself with his name and, of course, his role as neighborhood watch.

And then, I was also confused as to, you know, he just followed him, you know, was what we heard originally, and then last time, he says, well, I just went the same direction which, you know, of course, means the same thing.

PINSKY: So, Randi, you kind of feel like he was trying to engage as opposed to saying, hey, get out of here, I`m the neighborhood watch that sort of thing, right?

RANDI: Right. Exactly.

PINSKY: That`s an interesting thought, isn`t it?

CLARK: It really is.

PINSKY: Yes.

CLARK: And it`s a good point.

PINSKY: Yes. I think that`s -- because that`s the core here, isn`t it?

CLARK: Yes.
PINSKY: It`s like he made some choices that led to a horrible outcome.
CLARK: Yes.

PINSKY: Horrible.

CLARK: Horrible.


PINSKY: What people are really scrutinizing is what was in his head at the beginning?

CLARK: What was in his head? What was motivating him? Why did he follow? How long did he follow? And then, ultimately, the credibility call of all time, which is, do we believe the story he`s telling us now or not? And at the end of the day, Drew, it`s going to come down to this. You`re going to have many statements from him.

You`re going to have the original statements to the police, you`re going to have the subsequent statements to the police, then you`re going to have these statements, you`re going to have a million statements. To the extent they`re inconsistent, that hurts him. The other thing you`re going to have is physical evidence.

What on Trayvon martin`s body tells us that we should or should not believe George Zimmerman? He says Trayvon hit him, punched him in the head repeatedly. You know, that the head is a bony, bony structure. If you`re punching it with your fist, you`re going to have abrasions on your knuckles. You`re going to have bruises

There should be some blood on him if he broke his nose, and he`s continuing to contact him. We`ll see what the autopsy and the forensics say. That`s going to be critical, too.
PINSKY: Well, you know, one thing I did take -- I took away from this, this is all so damn sad. This is just sad for everybody. Khalid in North Carolina -- Khalid. Khalid? Maybe mispronouncing that name? All right. Meryl in California -- Meryl.

MERYL, CALIFORNIA: Yes.

PINSKY: Go right ahead.


MERYL: Yes. My question is, why would a -- Zimmerman`s attorney allow his client to use the word "God`s plan" in any kind of a phrase in defense of his actions? That was the nail in his coffin because now the prosecuting attorney could zone in that the thing was planned.

I think he should have said if he used the word "God`s plan" should have been it was God`s plan to -- for him to survive the beating, but not to use it in his defense --

PINSKY: Or God`s will. God`s will.

CLARK: Well, that`s you why don`t let your client do these interviews because you can only control so much.

PINSKY: Right.
CLARK: Right? I mean, I understand why he wanted to do it. I can even see this unique case, maybe it was a good idea, but this is why you don`t do it.

 ::snipping2::

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1207/19/ijvm.01.html
JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL
New Developments in Case of Missing Iowa girls
Aired July 19, 2012 - 19:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
 ::snipping2::

Plus, new outrage in the wake of George Zimmerman`s first TV interview. You won`t believe what the accused gunman says when asked if he regrets the night he killed Trayvon Martin. The dead teen`s family is furious.

Was this a brilliant PR move for Zimmerman`s defense? Or could it be a gift to prosecutors in his upcoming murder trial?

 ::snipping2::(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: George Zimmerman`s first TV interview.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: George Zimmerman actually went on Fox News last night to tell his side of the story.

GEORGE ZIMMERMAN, CHARGED WITH TRAYVON MARTIN`S MURDER: I`m not a racist. And I`m not a murderer.

He apologized to the family of Trayvon Martin, but also said he has no regrets.

DARYL PARKS ATTORNEY FOR TRAYVON MARTIN`S FAMILY: The state attorney is going to see this interview as a gift.

ZIMMERMAN: I feel like it was all God`s plan.

SYBRINA FULTON, MOTHER OF TRAYVON MARTIN: God did not have a plan for Trayvon to die.

ZIMMERMAN: I do wish that there was something, anything I could have done that wouldn`t have put me in the position where I had to take his life.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Why did he even get out to call? Why was my son so suspicious?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: We have breaking news just into the newsroom on this case. Just minutes ago an all-new George Zimmerman video came out. We`ve put it through our process and we can show you a tiny tidbit. That`s how recently it came in.

Jane Velez-Mitchell back with you live. Now, here it is. His first message to the public straight from his Web site. Take a look at this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ZIMMERMAN: Hello. This is George Zimmerman. First and foremost I want to thank you all for visiting the realGeorgeZimmerman.com. We`ve re- launched this Web site to once again thank you, my supporters.

My intention was and still is to personally and individually thank you all. However, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, the masses.

This is our Web site. It`s not my Web site. It is our Web site where you can personally communicate with me. And I hope to be your Web site to provide facts.

(END VIDEO CLIP)
(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Ok. I`m watching that as you`re watching that. This case has gone off the rails. What the heck was that? A defendant who is in a safehouse.

You know what; it reminds me of the Casey Anthony videos, the video diary she sent out.

I got to go to Daryl Parks, the attorney for Trayvon Martin`s family. That`s the family -- that`s the family of the young man gunned down, the unarmed teen who`s going to get Skittles and ice tea.

Did you see and hear that new video? Oh my gosh. We just got it in.

PARKS: I just listened to it. But I`m not really surprised by that because some of the information that I have read this week indicated that, one, they were trying to solicit funds. Number two, I saw a very interesting piece of data that said George Zimmerman was maintaining editorial control of that Web site as he re-launched it. So, I`m not surprised by him coming out. I figured there was some reason for him maintaining editorial control of that Web site.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: But do you think it`s appropriate?

PARKS: Well, I don`t think it`s really up to me to judge the appropriateness of him, you know, doing a Web site. Everyone has a right to freedom of speech. He has a right to speech. He has a right to his own strategy. And so that`s a decision he and his advisors must make. And that`s a decision I guess they`ve made.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Well, that`s a very gracious response. To me it`s like, what? What is happening to criminal cases that defendants are now basically plugging themselves on the web and saying, hey, basically come to me and come to this Web site? I mean, this is like a commercial. This involves a dead young man. That was by the way from the realGeorgeZimmerman.com.


We`re going to play it again in a second. Zimmerman of course, awaiting trial for shooting and killing unarmed teen Trayvon Martin; he`s been out of jail for just a few days.

But now he`s breaking his silence to Fox News. And essentially last night in their exclusive interview he blamed God for what happened. Of course, Trayvon Martin`s parents were outraged by that statement. Watch this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ZIMMERMAN: I feel that it was all God`s plan. And for me to second- guess it or judge it --

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

FULTON: I think it`s absolutely ridiculous. God did not have a plan for Trayvon to die and for George Zimmerman to shoot Trayvon for no reason.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: That wasn`t Zimmerman`s only attempt at getting on TV. He also met with Barbara Walters for a sit-down interview, but the interview never happened. Today on "The View" Barbara explained the whole thing.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BARBARA WALTERS, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": I was wearing a T-shirt. That should have been my first clue. And then said he would not do an interview. No matter what we said, but he would if there were one condition. It was a condition that being a member of ABC News I was unable to grant. (END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: And what was that condition? According to Zimmerman`s lawyer, Mark O`Mara, George wanted shelter and security for his wife, Shellie, seen there, for a month. What does that mean? Zimmerman wanted ABC to spring for 30 days in a hotel room? Does all of this hurt or help George Zimmerman`s case?

Give me a holler. 1-877-JVM SAYS.

All right. I want to bring in Michelle Suskauer, criminal defense attorney. You`re down there in Florida where all this is going on. First of all, your reaction to this new video on the Internet; correct me if I`m wrong, but is this some kind of new phenomenon that we are seeing here tonight together for the first time. Defendants in high profile cases actually appealing directly to the public with a web interview or a web statement?

SUSKAUER, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Well, normally we don`t especially as a criminal defense lawyer, when you have a pending case, you really don`t want your client to speak. But this is a very, very unusual situation where it was really one-sided information slamming him for a very long time with really without any response. It was really one-sided.

And so this is his opportunity, I think he listened to it, listened to it. And even his counsel is saying, "Listen, don`t speak." He wants his opportunity to have his say because he may not testify at trial. And certainly everything that he says could be used against him. So this is his opportunity to speak and to have his peace, good or bad.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: All right. I want to play this video again. Again, we just got it in. I heard it the way you did, but it`s fascinating to me.

Look at the palm trees in the background. We`re cueing it up because now this is at least the fourth time he`s spoken. Once after he was taken in by police, not officially arrested but taken in. Once when he gave his re-enactment, once to Hannity and now this -- let`s listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ZIMMERMAN: Hello. This is George Zimmerman. First and foremost I want to thank you all for visiting therealGeorgeZimmerman.com. We re- launched this Web site to once again thank you my supporters. My intention was and still is to personally and individually thank you all.

However, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, the masses. This is our Web site. It`s not my Web site. It is our Web site where you can personally communicate with me. And I hope to be your Web site to provide facts.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Well, to me it`s got to all be about money, about raising funds for his defense. Because I heard that there was a spike, there`s been a spike in donations at key times in this case when he`s spoken out, et cetera.

Bryan Claypool, criminal defense attorney and child advocate, is it just me or is this bizarre? I mean, we have now entered a new dimension in terms of high-profile criminal cases. I personally have never seen something like this.

BRYAN CLAYPOOL, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Jane, I haven`t seen anything like it either, but this is a by-product of Mr. Zimmerman having lied at his bond hearing. If you recall, Judge Lester came down and chastised him greatly and said that he was making a mockery of the court. He was manipulative.

His attorney, Mark O`Meara, came back and said, look, I want to try to recuse this judge because you shouldn`t be attacking my client like that. So what`s happening now is Mr. O`Meara makes a decision, "Hey, I`ve got to get my guy out there. I have to do some PR work. I have to do some damage control here."

And I got to tell you, I think it`s a big mistake because when you have a criminal client defendant, Jane, picture it like a noose, like you have a noose that big. And when you allow your client to start talking the way that Zimmerman`s talking, that noose starts tightening and tightening and tightening. Because when you let a client talk in interviews like this, it`s almost like what`s that movie Tom Hanks was in a few years ago? "Forrest Gump", remember that comment he made about life`s like a box of chocolates? Well, y our clients no matter how much you prepare them to testify, witnesses and clients are like a box of chocolate. You never know what you`re going to get. And what you got here was Mr. Zimmerman saying things --
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Ok. I think that`s an interesting analogy. Daryl Parks, I want to give you the last word. Just ten seconds. Do you think this is going to backfire all of this George Zimmerman in court?

PARKS: Without question. This case is about credibility. And all the inconsistencies that came out just in that interview alone was certainly going a good ways towards helping in the conviction of George Zimmerman.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Thank you, sir. Thank you fantastic panel for staying on top of that story. You know you`ll always get the latest on George Zimmerman right here.
 ::snipping2::

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-07-20/news/os-george-zimmerman-hannity-part2-20120720_1_trayvon-martin-mark-o-mara-george-zimmerman

George Zimmerman on Hannity: 'I wear hoodies.'
8:53 p.m. EST, July 20, 2012|

In new video posted Friday night by Fox News, George Zimmerman said he "was hit hard" when he learned from Sanford police that he had killed a 17-year-old who was a good kid and carried nothing more sinister than candy and a can of iced tea.

The 28-year-old Neighborhood Watch volunteer gave conservative talk show host Sean Hannity an exclusive interview Wednesday. Hannity aired most of it that night, but Fox News posted a new, unaired segment on its website Friday night.

Zimmerman fatally shot the teenager, Trayvon Martin, Feb. 26 on a Sanford sidewalk. He says he acted in self-defense after the Miami Gardens high school junior attacked him, banged his head into a sidewalk, tried to smother him and reached for a gun Zimmerman wore on his waist.

In the Friday night clip, Zimmerman said he was heartbroken when Sanford police detectives told him that he'd killed a 17-year-old who had no criminal record, came from a loving family and carried no weapon, just a package of Skittles and a can of Arizona iced tea.

"The young man that I mentor is very close in age to Trayvon. I thought of him being in Trayvon's shoes," he said. "It broke my heart."

Zimmerman went on to explain that he and his wife, Shellie, have mentored a young brother and sister, both black, for more than a year.
 ::snipping2::

New VIDEO of George Zimmerman Thanking Supporters at TheRealGeorgeZimmerman.com (George Zimmerman – Trayvon Martin Trial)

http://scaredmonkeys.com/2012/07/21/new-video-of-george-zimmerman-thanking-supporters-at-therealgeorgezimmerman-com-george-zimmerman-trayvon-martin-trial/

::snipping2::

Civil rights group marches in Sanford, Fla., to honor Trayvon Martin
July 22 '12

The civil rights movement’s anthem "Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ’Round" could be heard from blocks away Saturday as more than 50 members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference marched in Sanford, Fla.

The group, which was holding its 55th annual convention in nearby Lake Mary, Fla., marched along the brick-lined streets to Sanford City Hall to highlight voter rights and call out for justice in the death of Trayvon Martin, the teenager killed in February by neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman.

 "We did not come here to mourn," said Art Rocker, chairman of the SCLC in Florida, during a passionate, fiery speech. "We’re here to wake up America. We’re here to wake up Florida"
   ::snipping2:: 

http://bostonherald.com/news/national/south/view/20120722civil_rights_group_marches_in_sanford_fla_to_honor_trayvon_martin

 ::boxingcasey2::
Wait, what is it exactly that we are being woken up to? Good lord will it never end?

two words: Duke Lacrosse, Duke Lacrosse Duke Lacrosse

why have we not seen so far ANY evidence from the Prosecution that is is not a stand your ground case?

If GZ does get convicted by the jury, He will most likely win by appeal.

as of now, I still stand with GZ unless the prosecution has hard, cold evidence that this is not a stand your ground case.

and I think the whole "God's Plan" thing has been taken way out of context.

I did not get to watch the interview,...........  is there anywhere in that interview at all where GZ says " It was God's Plan for Trayvon to die'"?

SEAN HANNITY, HOST, FOX NEWS' "HANNITY": Is there anything you might do differently in retrospect now that time has passed a little bit?

ZIMMERMAN: No, sir. I feel it was all God's plan, and for me to second guess it or judge it --

I honestly don't understand how a known liar and accused child molester has been turned into the victim here. He shot and killed an UNARMED kid, for crying out loud!

By the way... I've worked with some pretty hard-core delinquents for the last 30 years - much bigger and badder than Trayvon Martin - and not once have I allowed myself to be sucker-punched and nearly beaten to death by a skinny 17-year-old kid. At the very least, GZ must be the biggest wimp around. Holy cow!

I keep trying to get an answer to this question, but nobody on GZ's side will discuss it: Trayvon Martin obviously felt threatened by George Zimmerman. If Trayvon Martin had actually beaten George Zimmerman to death, should he be exonerated under the Stand Your Ground law?

With respect...It's my understanding that no, stand-your-ground would not apply to TM, IF it is true that TM doubled back to confront GZ, that TM was almost home then decided to do an about face, sad that he didn't continue home and into the house.

Sucker-punched is just that..glad it has never happened to you, did anyone ever make an attempt?

ACCUSED child molester. & lets not try to make it seem like it was a child accusing an adult. He was a child & she was a child. Funny how she jumped right in the middle of a high profile case to actually bring this out too. Maybe GZ is a wimp. Seems to me like tm may have been getting the best of him, hebce the gunshot. U cant judge strength in size either. I know some seemingly scrawny guys who can hold their own against any big guy.

Btw, how exactly is one supposed to be able to ascertain whether or not someone is armed or not? Baggy clothes can hide quite a bit imo.everyone seems so certain that gz had to have known he was unarmed.,how exactly would he know that?

I understand what you're saying about TM doubling back and perhaps that would negate the SYG provision. On the other hand, if George Zimmerman had not been so overzealous, the situation would never have escalated to the point of a physical altercation.

In answer to your question, no. I've been involved in quite a few physical restraints, but they were rarely because of aggression toward staff and never directly toward me. But based on my experience with those restraints over the years, I have a hard time believing that George Zimmerman could have been overpowered by Trayvon Martin.

I think it's much more likely that George Zimmerman was the aggressor from start to finish. I spent several years working with sex offenders, and IF his younger cousin's stories are true, then you can't believe a word coming out of GZ's mouth.

As far as his self-serving comment about God's plan, the quote - sometimes attributed to Andy Rooney and sometimes to Robert Ingersoll - comes to mind: "Religion is the last refuge of a scoundrel."

BBM Good point. All the more reason to have followed the dispatcher's instructions and waited in his vehicle for law enforcement officers to arrive.

 ::MonkeyBike:: YouHindsight is 20/20. Maybe he should have. & maybe trayvon would be akive if he had continued on home.

 
[/quote]
Hindsight is 20/20. Maybe he should have. & maybe trayvon would be akive if he had continued on home.
[/quote]

Also with respect....If this statement was true. Then know one that didn't carry a gun could not and should not go outside their own homes to do things as innocently as walking to the store for candy and a drink.  Because you should know that people with guns may think you don't look right and on drugs. If you get shot you have caused your own death for leaving your home. IMOO

Hindsight is 20/20. Maybe he should have. & maybe trayvon would be akive if he had continued on home.
[/quote]

Also with respect....If this statement was true. Then know one that didn't carry a gun could not and should not go outside their own homes to do things as innocently as walking to the store for candy and a drink.  Because you should know that people with guns may think you don't look right and on drugs. If you get shot you have caused your own death for leaving your home. IMOO
[/quote]

Thanks for your response...but I didn't post that, somehow or other the posts got muddled.
   :smt102
My disgust is for the media and race-baiters.

BBM...SYG would have applied to TM; that is what the SYG is all about. Prior to SYG, an individual, if they felt threatened, had a duty to get to safety (if a safe area was available). In other words, if I was standing outside my front door, and I saw a stranger approaching in a threatening manner, I would be expected to get inside my house and call 911. The SYG laws changed this - under the same scenario, I would not have a duty to seek safety, but would instead be allowed to "stand my ground" - and if the threatening stranger got close enough, and I feared for my life (either reasonably or unreasonably) I could legally shoot him. So my point is, it didn't matter how close TM was to his house as to whether SYG would work for him or not - SYG eliminated the logic of getting to safety. That is why many people are against SYG - here in Florida, we've always had the right to shoot someone if we were in danger and could not get away. With SYG, people don't have to bother getting to safety and avoiding an altercation; they can just shoot away.

For the life of me...I have not found where GZ did NOT go back to his vehicle.  Where is that again?

But it wasn't a matter of a threatening stranger 'getting close enough'. Martin wasn't even within sight of Zimmerman for a while, until Martin backtracked some distance and attacked him...according to Zimmerman. Doesn't sound like SYG to me.
...and your name and avi make me smile,  ::MonkeyWink:: 

Speaking for myself...I have not taken a side here...I am waiting on the facts.  Which I didn't realize ANYONE had.  I am sick of the racism though.  I, too work with criminals...and with psychotic people and I know how easy it could be to get sucker punched...it has happened to staff.  They are by no means wimps either.  Sucker punched by scrawny...by big...by girls...by adolescents...I have seen it all.  It happens.  If they are not paying attention. 

My disgust is with the eerily soft spoken proven liar who drives a fab pick up yet can't pay his bills and needs free handouts from the public because he's too askeered for either he or his wife to get a job.  Oh, and he shot a kid and feels it was God's plan for him to do so. 

I just do not understand how anyone can believe what he says.  I watched the video of his reenactment and IMO it is so obvious he's lying.

Plus, talk about milking the system!  He wouldn't talk to Barbara Walters without her paying a month's worth of a hotel stay??  I LOL'd when he tried to call into her show the next morning and she refused to have him on air.

 ::snipping2::George Zimmerman, the man who fatally shot unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida, has started a website "to ensure my supporters they are receiving my full attention without any intermediaries." ::snipping2::

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57411603/george-zimmerman-seeks-donations-on-his-new-website/

Blech!!  He wants to give his supporters his "full attention"... in exchange for more money.   ::MonkeyHaHa::

The truth becomes clearer with each passing day and GZ is going to be his own undoing.  I only hope he keeps on talking.

Toler, I realized my post might be offensive.  I didn't mean for it to be that way.  You have every right to be disgusted about this turning into a race issue, especially if you percieve it not to be about race at all.   ::piggy::

Video of Zimmerman interview on Fox at link

http://blogs.lawyers.com/2012/07/zimmerman-interview-on-fox-starts-media-storm/

Zimmerman Interview on Fox Starts Media Storm
Posted July 23, 2012

 ::snipping2::
Regrets? Oh Yeah, Those…
 
Money matters aside, Zimmerman makes a good witness – that much was clear. His only real misstep came when Hannity asked if he regretted anything about the night he shot Martin in what he says was a life or death struggle. “No, sir,” Zimmerman responded to Hannity’s line of questions including whether he regretted getting out of the car to follow Martin, carrying a gun, or anything else about that night. “I feel it was all God’s plan.”

At the end of the interview, when Hannity asked if there was anything Zimmerman wanted to say to the American public, he took the opportunity to correct himself, saying:
 
First, I would like to readdress your question when you asked if I would have done anything differently. When you asked that, I thought you were referring to if I would not have talked to the police, if I would have maybe have gotten an attorney, if I wouldn’t have taken the CVSA and that I stand by, I would not have done anything differently.
 
But I do wish that there was something, anything I could have done that wouldn’t have put me in the position where I had to take his life. And I do want to tell everyone, my wife, my family, my parents, my grandmother, the Martins, the city of Stanford, and America that I am sorry that this happened.
 
I hate to think that because of this incident, because of my actions, it’s polarized and divided America, and I’m truly sorry.
 
The media storm came fast and furious, regardless. Jonathan Capahart, in an opinion piece for a Washington Post blog, said Zimmerman should “regret” the interview. Many jumped on his “God’s plan” comment, and Martin’s parents went on NBC’s Today Show afterwards to call his interview “ridiculous” and to say they had no interest in taking him up on his offer to talk.
--------------------
Comments section
 ::snipping2::
Annette Kelly3 hours ago

He's not the angry guy the media described. I think the interview was a net gain in his public profile and I thought the retelling in this interview was consistent with his prior statements to police. The God's plan headlines were taken out of text and Sybrina Fulton herself has used God to explain the situation she finds herself in. "It's so easy for me to cry right now, but I can't because I have work to do," she told the congregation. "I was forced into this position, but I believe God is using me." Sybrina Fulton
 "But now I know that God has called Trayvon. He was chosen." Sybrina Fulton
"God is in control." Sybrina Fulton

Well, yeah. It's easily obvious that you hold strong beliefs....and do well at presenting them.
Just in case you have a change of heart here's a link to GZs new website so you can then donate it you wish.
http://therealgeorgezimmerman.com/   ::MonkeyWink:: 

Point is it's all about race now isn't it? Ever since the Justus brothers, Al and Jessie and now Ben Crump came on the scene, just as they meant it to be.

Amy's Sister, I don't believe George Zimmerman or his wife should risk getting a job at this time, considering the death threats they've received.  They are staying at a safe house for good reason in my opinion.

Unfortunately, we have made this type of behavior okay.  America watches this stuff and that is how he is going to pay for his defense.  Just like Casey Anthony.  We are guilty of that.  Unless of course you watch absolutely none of it and boycott the stations and media that allow this.

I absolutely agree. 

Not directed to anyone in particular, just a reminder...

I hope this thread can continue to stay open and dialog and discussion can continue in a reasonable manner.  I realize this case brings a lot of emotions and there are going to be varying opinions, especially since the case has not gone to trial yet. It's possible to express an opinion without offending others with a differing opinion.  I would encourage those with strong feelings particularly in threads like this one with hot button issues to think before they hit "post".  JMHO  ::bee::

Hindsight is 20/20. Maybe he should have. & maybe trayvon would be akive if he had continued on home.
[/quote]

Also with respect....If this statement was true. Then know one that didn't carry a gun could not and should not go outside their own homes to do things as innocently as walking to the store for candy and a drink.  Because you should know that people with guns may think you don't look right and on drugs. If you get shot you have caused your own death for leaving your home. IMOO
[/quote]
With all due respect to you, that is completely assanine & not even remotely what I meant. My point was that gz should not have pursued tm, IF he did, but I think there is pretty good evidence to suggest that tm may have confronted gz for following him. I leave my home every day without a gun. I dont own a gun. I would never own a gun with children in my home. I dont think I implied in ANY way that tm caused his own death by going to the store for a drink without a gun. Come on. This case has alot of what ifs & NONE of us know what really happened. I just strongly believe, as is my right, that both parties were to blame here & I dont think anything about this case sounds racially motivated. That is my biggest problem with this case. What proof is there of racism that we needed a civil rights uproar?  Gz may spend some time in jail for this & maybe he should. I dont know that at this point. I do know im sick to death of seeing this kid & his family immortalized as some kind of martin luther king, rosa parks figures. Ive sait it before & I will say it again, these parents are riding a gravy train til the wheels fall off & with no grounds to do so.

Thanks Muffy...my stomach always gets into knots when I open this particular thread.  I don't know why I keep opening it.

I totally understand labubske, and hope I can take my own advice.   ::MonkeyWink:: 

Might be difficult for them to get a job at this point, nevermind the fact that with death threats they might just be "askeered" to leave their home. Cant imagine why. I cant imagine for the life of me how anyone could possibly think these people are going to somehow live the high life with these donations. How much do u think this defense will cost? Thats not even figuring how much money it costs to simply have a safe place to live & food to eat. Somehow I doubt theyre eating steak & lobster & wearing armani.

Equal Justice for All....if you can afford it. What option does Zimmerman have? On top of that no job, having to pay for security because of death threats and a safe house. 

I was speaking hypothetically, and mainly to the statements I have read to the effect of "if only he'd kept walking home." The SYG laws take away any duty or expectation for TM to have kept walking home - he had the right to stop and confront his (perceived) pursuer. As for TM to have doubled back, I'm staying out of that one until the trial shows some evidence one way or the other. For TM to have doubled back to follow a (perceived) threat is the same as GZ following a (perceived) threat; all we have right now is one side's word against the other. I think it will take the trial (if even then) to find out who was following who. But I think the original poster's question is still valid, as a hypothetical: If, in fact, GZ had not walked back to his car but was still in pursuit of TM, caught up with him and confronted him, would TM have then been protected by the SYG law if he had killed GZ in the resultant scuffle? And the answer is...probably.

I don't know...according to the documents he spent $1305 on food for the 18 days he was out. Maybe not lobster, but that kind of food budget could definitely buy some steak. I tried to post the link but it gave me a ridiculously long url; sorry!

quote:If, in fact, GZ had not walked back to his car but was still in pursuit of TM, caught up with him and confronted him, would TM have then been protected by the SYG law if he had killed GZ in the resultant scuffle? And the answer is...probably.quote


Yes, I agree if that was the case. Problem today is that this case has already been tried by the media and by a load of grifters inciting race warfare. I'm not even sure that Zimmerman will ever get a 'fair' trial. The president, justice dept and FBI involed. Do you wonder why? 

Well I my family doesnt eat caviar or lobster regularly but I can easily spend 400 every 2 weeks on food for my house & thats not even counting toiletries, cleaning supplies etc. I guess he should be eating ramen noodles & bologna like the prisoner he is. I find it disturbing & comical at the same time that people actually know to the dollar what he spent on food in 18days. If I was in fear of my life o&the lives of my family, im pretty sure id throw some hard liquor in that grocery cart too & I dont even drink

I know right. I dont buy what the media sells most of the time fortunately. I hate when people say that the media influenced people to think casey anthony was guilty. Um, no, the evidence spoke quite loudly in forming my opinion on that one. The fact that the media emphasized the 31 days made no diffetence to me. Noone who is not guilty of something forgets to report a missing 2 year old for 31 days. Its common sense.  unfortunately, it looks like alot of people are believing media without evidence here. We even call him a child molester here. Is george anthony a child molester because jose baez said so?

According to Bing..my math sucks..that's 1305 / 18 = 72.5 per day. We don't know how many people were being fed, maybe security, maybe family as well. That's not an over the top amount...even for one depending upon where he was hiding then.

Thanks!!

I agree...he doesn't have another option that I can think of.  He has to have the best defense because it is not going to be the "normal" trial that it should be.

http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/archives/2012/07/24/trayvon-martins-parents-speak-in-little-rock

Trayvon Martin's parents speak in Little Rock
Tue, Jul 24, 2012 at 12:47 PM

The parents of Trayvon Martin, the black 17-year-old shot and killed in Sanford, Fla. last February by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, spoke in Little Rock today at a civil rights breakfast, part of the annual conference of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, or NOBLE.

Tracy Martin, Sybrina Fulton and their attorney Benjamin Crump shared the platform with several local luminaries, including Elizabeth Eckford of the Little Rock Nine and former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders as they addressed a large crowd of black officers from across the U.S., the Caribbean and the UK. They arrived late at the breakfast because of a canceled flight out of Florida last night. While introducing Fulton and Martin, Crump led the crowd in three chants of "I am Trayvon," which he said brings Fulton and Martin strength when they speak in public.

Martin said that if it was not for members of NOBLE on the Sanford, Fla. Police Department, the case would have gone cold. At a press conference after the event, Fulton said their gratitude to the organization is why they traveled to Little Rock to address the group. Martin told the crowd he had dedicated his life to seeing justice for his son, and helping all people who have been victimized. "It didn't stop with Trayvon," he said, "and it's not going to end with Trayvon."
 ::snipping2::

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-childrens-defense-fund-to-host-trayvon-martins-parents-at-its-community-and-youth-empowerment-conference-in-cincinnati-ohio-wednesday-july-25-2012-2012-07-24

press release
July 24, 2012, 1:25 p.m. EDT
The Children's Defense Fund to Host Trayvon Martin's Parents at its Community and Youth Empowerment Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio Wednesday, July 25, 2012

 ::snipping2::
CDF president Marian Wright Edelman called the killing of the unarmed teenager outrageous. "At the time Trayvon was walking home from the nearby 7-11 carrying a bottle of Arizona iced tea and a bag of Skittles for his younger stepbrother," said Edelman, "leaving many people to guess that the main thing he was doing that made him look like he was up to no good was wearing a hooded sweatshirt in the rain and walking while Black."

Martin's parents Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton will be accompanied by their lawyer Benjamin Crump. The shooting of Trayvon Martin sparked a wildfire of demonstrations by young people on social media and on college campuses around the country and young people are here at the CDF conference to address these and other issues of concern. Almost 1500 students are learning about community organizing, voter registration, in an effort to go back home with the skills to pursue social and political justice for children.

What: National and Racial Healing Town Hall with the parents of Trayvon Martin

Who: Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin, Tracy Martin, father, and their attorney Benjamin Crump; Rev. Al Sharpton, Dr. Maya Angelou, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III,

Where: At the Children's Defense Fund's National Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio at the Duke Energy Convention Center's Grand Ballroom.

When: Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 10:45 a.m.
 ::snipping2::

Shellie has her first court appearance next week.

Have we ever found out who's her attorney?

http://www.seminoleclerk.org/CriminalDocket/case_detail.jsp?CaseNo=592012CF001792A

Wonder how exactly these people can afford to have no job & travel the world like this

Me too!  Just now when I came into this thread I said to myself, "Okay, I'm going into the abyss.  Just breathe."   ::MonkeyHaHa:: 

It's been a real excercise in patience and acceptance, plus trying to stay light hearted.

Thanks for the reminder MuffyBee.

See, here's where it get weird.  I never said steak and lobster or Armani, nor did I imply that.  He has family with whom he could have stayed before he lied to the judge but now he can't live out of state so that's out.  Was his wife threatened?  She also needed to leave her job?

I guess I do think $75 a day is a lot of money for food.  We are two hardworking people and we can't afford that.  I sure don't hold it against anyone who can and applaud folks who live comfortable lives but I just find it very uncomfortable when a man can give a one sided story about how he had to kill a kid and everyone just automatically believes him when he's a proven liar, then he goes public for donations and makes demands on interviewers.  It just creeps me out.

Had the police handled the investigation properly from the beginning this would not have escalated to what it has turned into.  The parents do have a leg to stand on with regards to this being a civil rights issue, not because of GZ's actions (with the exception of profiling) but because of LE and community leaders and their history with regards to people of color.  Others who actually live in the community have even posted here to that effect.

Excellent, thoughtful post!

I'm seeing opinion and emotion and not so many facts with links.  So it can be hard to say about some things. Here's what I think:
 
 I'm not going to try to find any articles or links that would indicate Shellie Zimmerman has been threatened.  The fact is, her husband George has been threatened with death threats and is staying in a safe house.  I wouldn't think it prudent for Shellie to be out in public right now to try to work for her personal safety, nor that of her workplace.  Expecting her to go out and try to work right now just doesn't make sense, and she and George therefore have to rely on donations or other ways to make money to live on. 

As far as the as the money spent for food, I haven't been privy to any receipts that indicate what was bought.  What were the items?  How long was the food to last?   Did it include health and beauty items?  Condiments?  Toilet paper, fem. hygiene, paper towels etc.  The Zimmerman's aren't staying in their own home.  I remember how much my initial grocery bills were when I moved, and I had to buy a bunch of that stuff again, that I would usually have on hand.  I haven't seen detailed receipts, so I am holding judgement on that.  I'm not attempting to defend the Zimmerman's, but without having seen the details it's really hard to say.  One could only guess, imo.

It is my opinion that the Martin's and others they have become connected with have made this an issue of race.  However, since we don't have a lot of facts and the case hasn't gone to trial there's a lot we don't know at this point.  I see it as more of a gun control issue, frankly.

Just revisiting some of the old articles.  I've included some of the article that indicates Trayvon Martin wasn't a model citizen, but what is shown here wouldn't be a reason for him to be shot to death.  What happened the night of his death, I don't know. 

http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/11574960-418/supporters-of-george-zimmerman-fearful-of-speaking-out.html
Supporters of George Zimmerman fearful of speaking out
March 28, 2012

 ::snipping2::
“The family has had death threats, the father and mother, George has had death threats. Anything related to George is a target,” said Miguel Meza, who identified himself as Zimmerman’s cousin.
 ::snipping2::
Meza spoke only briefly over the telephone to a reporter from The Associated Press. It wasn’t immediately clear if he had talked to Zimmerman since the shooting, but he said other relatives are afraid to comment publicly, even though they think he is being treated unfairly.

“The media has been quick to demonize George, but Trayvon Martin was no angelic boy walking,” Meza said.

Zimmerman’s attorney, Craig Sonner, has said in more than one interview that his client’s nose was broken during the fight with Martin.

The Orlando Sentinel, citing anonymous sources, has reported that Martin grabbed Zimmerman’s head and banged it several times against the sidewalk. A statement from Sanford police said the newspaper’s story was “consistent” with evidence turned over to prosecutors.

Sonner said the gash on the back of Zimmerman’s head probably was serious enough for stitches, but he waited too long for treatment so the wound was already healing.

Zimmerman said he began crying for help; Martin’s family thinks it was their son who was crying out. Witness accounts differ and 911 tapes in which the voices are heard are not clear.

Martin was at least 6 feet tall, several inches taller than the 5-foot-9 Zimmerman. Meza said Martin was not the child he appears to be in photos flashed across television and newspapers.

“George was in a fight for his life,” Meza said.

Martin’s supporters, including a host of outspoken celebrities and civil rights leaders who have appeared on television for the past two weeks, don’t believe Zimmerman’s story. They want him arrested and prosecuted, and his parents think their son is being painted in a negative light by a police department leaking information to the news media.

The teenager was suspended from school three times this year. In October, he wrote obscene graffiti on a door at his high school. During a search of his backpack, campus security officers found 12 pieces of jewelry, a watch and a screwdriver that they thought could be used as a burglary tool, according to a school police report obtained by the Miami Herald.

When campus security confronted Martin, he told them a friend had given him the jewelry, but he wouldn’t give a name. The Miami-Dade Police Department said Tuesday the jewelry could not be tied to any reported thefts.

Martin had previously been suspended for excessive absences and tardiness and, at the time of his death, was serving a 10-day suspension after school officials found an empty plastic bag with marijuana traces in his backpack.
 ::snipping2::

I would really like to see more hard evidence and facts.  There's just way too many people with agendas.  I'm finding this case seems to be whatever someone wants to make it out to be, depending on the slant.  It's so easy for words to be taken out of context.  It seems some want to make this case to be a white on black issue, some want it to be a gun control issue, some want it to be something else.  There has been a lot of misinformation over time, and when something gets repeated enough, it's easy for it to be taken as fact.  When there have been mistakes or misunderstandings in this case, or even the editing of a tape and it gets corrected, some believe the original version even when shown it's been proven to not be the case.  People will believe what they want to believe, imo. 

What can be difficult and is human nature imo, is how certain things in this case apply to us personally.

I'm going to take my own advice now, and go get a glass of iced tea and view another thread.  ::bee::

Also with respect....If this statement was true. Then know one that didn't carry a gun could not and should not go outside their own homes to do things as innocently as walking to the store for candy and a drink.  Because you should know that people with guns may think you don't look right and on drugs. If you get shot you have caused your own death for leaving your home. IMOO
[/quote]

Thanks for your response...but I didn't post that, somehow or other the posts got muddled.
   :smt102
My disgust is for the media and race-baiters.
[/quote]  So sorry Toler don't know what the heck happened  ::MonkeyConfused:: I tried to shorten the stake and got it messed up ~~hugs~~

See heres where what gets weird? I dont recall directing anything toward you about steak & lobster. My point is that I cant imagine where people get the idea that theyre living high on donations. How much money do u think it costs to relocate to a safe house, eat & just live, nevermind what his legal fees are. How much do u think this defense will cost. Im quite sure his atty would take issue with them living extravagantly if hes not getting paid. My family eats like every other middle class family I know & I spend alot of money on food & everday necessities. Its not cheap. & frankly who the heck cares what the man eats. I do not in any way, shape or form believe he targeted this kid for being black. If your issue is how the police handled the investigation, direct your anger & hatred toward them. This man does not deserve to fear a lynching because those with an agenda made this into a race war. I am an rn like his wife & I sure as hell wouldnt want my safety threatened by having to work at the same place ad she does. dont venture into the abyss if u have such a hard time with opposing viewpoints.

"black power"? See now this is what burns me up. This case has become an excuse to pronounce your racism without fear of backlash. People like that sicken me. Ive seen plenty of maury shows with white supremacists & they turn my stomach. If its a black person making that same kind of disgusting show of race superiority its all about civil rights. Give me a break. I am so glad that the black friends I have are not like this.

Muffy is right and links should be supplied. Here is the link for GZ's expenditures: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=george%20zimmerman%20expenditures&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CE0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cfnews13.com%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Fnews%2Fstatic%2Fcfnews13%2Fdocuments%2F2012%2F07%2FZimmerman-expenses-0718.pdf&ei=d0QPUPCFFIyo8ASOioGYDw&usg=AFQjCNHkONKa9hZvoNnIcLWQ6xYozM5zUQ&cad=rja
 (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=george%20zimmerman%20expenditures&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CE0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cfnews13.com%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Fnews%2Fstatic%2Fcfnews13%2Fdocuments%2F2012%2F07%2FZimmerman-expenses-0718.pdf&ei=d0QPUPCFFIyo8ASOioGYDw&usg=AFQjCNHkONKa9hZvoNnIcLWQ6xYozM5zUQ&cad=rja)
If the link doesn't work, you can find it by googling "George Zimmerman's Expenditures" and go to a link for News 13. Note that there are entries for "Food" and for "Groceries".

 ::MonkeyJnBox::Wow I feel like I know so much more about him for reading that. With those purchases I clearly see now how he is a race profiler, a molester & a liar. & it sure appears hes living extravagantly. I have many of those same expenses myself & im far from wealthy.

Wish the rest of the world would have taken your advice a long time ago re. hard evidence and facts, Muffy. We're long past that and now into agendas and politics. I'm a very old broad and have been suckered in by media until....the internet. Though I have my doubts Zimmerman will have a 'fair' trial...

$6,037 in phone and internet related items,should have looked into one of those bundling plans.

 ::rhino::   ::MonkeyWink::

Ha...yeah.  I never understood the high price to put in a land line. Unlimited minutes would have been good...especially talking from jail...that gets super expensive.  But, I don't think you can reduce the cost of jail calls.

http://globalgrind.com/news/george-zimmermans-wife-shellie-zimmerman-arraignment-perjury-court-date-july-31-details

Her Day In Court! Shellie Zimmerman's Perjury Arraignment Set (DETAILS)
Posted 1 hour 17 min ago

State attorneys have released an official notice regarding the perjury arraignment for George Zimmerman's wife, Shellie. The arraignment will take place on July 31st.
 
Shellie is not expected to attend.
 ::snipping2::

Read more: http://globalgrind.com/news/george-zimmermans-wife-shellie-zimmerman-arraignment-perjury-court-date-july-31-details#ixzz21ejFaPF9

Our phone company charges by the foot to install lines up to your home then a set (and expensive) fee to initialize the line into the dwelling.  Right now they are replacing all the old phone lines with new fiber optic cables so the price has come down somewhat but a couple of years ago it was outrageous.  I can see that expense.   

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-07-25/news/os-george-zimmerman-scret-witness-names-20120725_1_trayvon-martin-george-zimmerman-mary-cutcher

Prosecutors release names of 6 'secret' witnesses in Zimmerman case
1:12 p.m. EST, July 25, 2012

 ::snipping2::
But Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. ordered the release of the names of witnesses who had previously talked publicly to reporters. Those six were identified Wednesday.

They include a 13-year-old boy who told police that moments before he heard a gunshot, he saw a man in red on the ground.

 ::snipping2::
The just-disclosed names include Brandy Green, the girlfriend of Trayvon's father. Trayvon was spending the week with her. She lived in the same gated community as Zimmerman.

The list also includes Mary Cutcher and Selma Mora, two roommates who heard cries for help and the gunshot. Cutcher told television broadcasters that she did not believe that Zimmerman fired in self-defense, and that he showed no remorse.

Mora told CNN that immediately after she shooting, she saw Zimmerman straddling Trayvon.

Another witness is Cheryl Brown, the mother of the 13-year-old boy. She was not home at the time of the shooting and did not witness it.

Zimmerman's wife, Shellie, is to be arraigned Tuesday at the Seminole County criminal courts building on a perjury charge. That means she'll enter a plea.

Her brother-in-law, Robert Zimmerman, said three weeks ago that she has an attorney, but he would not name that person, and as of noon-time Tuesday, court records showed that no one has formally filed notice that he or she is serving as Shellie Zimmerman's lawyer.
 ::snipping2::

I believe the high price to put in a land line was the "dedicated line" for the monitoring device Zim has to wear.

http://www.bet.com/news/national/2012/07/25/trayvon-s-mother-says-she-is-prepared-for-any-trial-outcome.html

Trayvon’s Mother Says She Is Prepared for Any Trial Outcome
Posted: 07/25/2012 05:06 PM EDT

Trayvon Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, said she is prepared to deal with whatever verdict is imposed on George Zimmerman, the former neighborhood watch volunteer who killed her son. She added that she is even prepared to face the possibility of Zimmerman being found not guilty.
 
Fulton addressed a town hall meeting in Cincinnati on violence and racial harmony and discussed her feelings about the February shooting of Trayvon, a killing that has garnered nationwide attention and controversy. She and Trayvon’s father, Tracy Martin, spoke about their grief and the importance of preventing similar shootings.
 
"My son's life was cut down short. He had a bright future," she said.
 
"The most difficult part is the process that I'm going through now, and that's the part of not having my son on earth. Everything else is just a process, and I think if I can deal with not holding my son and hugging my son and not talking to him, I can certainly deal with whatever the court rules."
 
Following the town hall event, Fulton did not respond to questions about whether she considered Zimmerman sincere in stating that the killing was not racially motivated.
 ::snipping2::

Prosecutors release names of witnesses in Zimmerman case
July 25 '12

Prosecutors in the George Zimmerman second-degree murder case have released the names of six secret witnesses.

The witnesses all live in the Retreat View neighborhood where Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by Zimmerman on Feb. 26. Zimmerman said the shooting was self-defense.
 
The witnesses are identified as:
 
Witness 4: Cheryl BrownWitness 5: Mary CutcherWitness 7: Brandy GreenWitness 14: Austin McClendonWitness 16: Selma Mora Witness 42: Cynthia Wibtker
 
Originally both sides had agreed to keep the witness identities private for their protection, but Judge Kenneth Lester ordered the names of those witnesses who had previously spoken to the media be released.   ::snipping2:: 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48326244

Trayvon Martin's parents: Death not in vain
July 25 '12

CINCINNATI -- Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, parents of slain Florida teen Trayvon Martin, were the headline attractions Wednesday before a convention audience that was urged to simultaneously forgive wrongdoers and fight for equal justice.
Fulton squinted through harsh stage lights into an audience made up primarily of young people and said her son would be walking around the room and talking to people.

"He liked to go to the mall, liked to dress nice, liked to smell nice, liked movies, just like you," Fulton said to more than 1,000 people in a town hall on violence and racial healing at the Children's Defense Fund national conference at the Duke Energy Convention Center.

"Trayvon was emotional and affectionate, even at 17. He loved to hug and kiss on us."

Fulton and Martin were part of a panel whose participants knew the loss of children and other loved ones to violence. Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the child advocacy organization, referenced the theater shooting last week in Aurora, Colo., and repeated Wednesday her call for "sensible gun control" that she said would save the lives eight U.S. children killed each day in gun violence.

Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by a neighborhood watch volunteer, George Zimmerman, on Feb. 26 in Sanford, Fla. Zimmerman, charged with second-degree murder, pleaded not guilty and says he acted in self-defense under Florida's "stand-your-ground" law and was attacked and beaten by Trayvon, who was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and walking home from a convenience store.

Yet his parents and their lawyer say Zimmerman racially profiled Trayvon and ignored a 911 dispatcher's advice not to follow the teen.

"Nothing anyone can do will bring Trayvon back," Tracy Martin said. "You have to take that negative and turn it into a positive. We chose to keep our son's name alive and not let his death be in vain."

They created the Trayvon Martin Foundation, the aims of which are conflict resolution, cross-cultural dialogue and crime prevention.

Besides Fulton and Martin and their attorney, Benjamin Crump, panel participants included Ron and Kim Odom, of Dorchester, Mass., whose son was shot and killed in 2007. Homeless advocate Clemmie Greenlee, of Nashville, Tenn., whose son was murdered in 2003, spoke. Poet and author Maya Angelou gave the keynote address.

Speaking at the start of the two-hour event, Angelou addressed Trayvon's parents: "If, in fact, he (Zimmerman) is exonerated, it will be difficult to avoid being bitter and entering into hate. My prayer is for them to be strong. We need to demand justice. It means we don't become poisoned by hate."  ::snipping2:: 

http://content.usatoday.com/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=mansfieldnewsjournal&sParam=56484664.story

quote: They created the Trayvon Martin Foundation, the aims of which are conflict resolution, cross-cultural dialogue and crime prevention. quote

I must've missed the cross-cultural dialogue, anyone have a link?

George Zimmerman case: Witnesses furious
July 26 '12


Judge Kenneth Lester ordered the names and addresses of 6 witnesses released in the George Zimmerman case, because they have already been interviewed by the media. They all live in the neighborhood where the shooting took place.
 
It's been five months since George Zimmerman shot and killed 17 year old Trayvon Martin off of Retreat View Circle.  Neighbor Shirley Saenz remembers the night clearly, "I saw his body and the whole chaos around the street." Shirley's mother Selma Mora and roommate Mary Cutcher held a news conference about what they witnessed. Back then Cutcher said, "I feel it was not self defense."
 
But now that Judge Lester has released the names and addresses of 6 witnesses in the case who live here, Shirley is concerned. While she says, her mother and Cutcher felt a responsibility to speakout, they didn't think their addresses would be released to the public, "What if someone is on Zimmerman's side and wants to come do something to us?"
 
At the time Cheryl Brown and her 13 year old son Austin also spoke out. But they didn't use his real name. Brown says her son now lives with his father because of the backlash from speaking out. She too plans to move out of this development so she can put this behind her.  Brown told me off camera, that she's upset that her son's name was released without anyone notifying her a head of time.


Read more: http://www.myfoxorlando.com/story/19115782/george-zimmerman-case-witnesses-furious#ixzz21k1DNErU

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-07-26/news/os-zimmerman-judge-poll-20120726_1_lowest-rated-judge-poll-participant-george-zimmerman

Zimmerman judge wins high marks in poll
6:09 p.m. EST, July 26, 2012

Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr., who presides over the George Zimmerman murder case, is one of the highest-ranked jurists in Central Florida, according to a recent poll of criminal defense attorneys.

Lester, a 15-year veteran of the bench who works in Sanford, received uniformly high marks for his legal knowledge, demeanor, impartiality and diligence.

His overall score was 4.55, closer to "excellent" (5) than "good" (4) on the five-point scale used by the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

The group annually polls its members, other defense attorneys and prosecutors, asking them to rate area judges who handle criminal cases on their legal knowledge, impartiality, demeanor and freedom from bias.

This year, they rated 70 judges.

The jurist with the highest rating is retired: O.H. Eaton Jr., a former Seminole circuit judge who earlier this year stepped back onto the bench to handle more than 15 trials at the Orange County Courthouse.

His most noteworthy came in February, when he acquitted Delores Laster, the former Orange County teacher charged with first-degree murder in a 20-year-old cold-case homicide.

Eaton picked a jury, listened to the state's evidence then threw out the case, citing a lack of evidence.

Eaton said Thursday that he was pleased but baffled by the poll results. He suspected, he said, that lawyers liked that he started on time and did his job.

Lester said he suspects he did well because he likes lawyers and, when he was in private practice, came to know what it's like to be in front of good judges and bad ones.
 ::snipping2::

You quoted me in your response kcrn which is an obvious indicator your post was directed toward me.

Thanks for using my jest in a mean and vicious way.  Real nice.

Yep, the quote stacks get really big sometimes.   ::piggy::

Sorry klaas ::MonkeyNoNo::. I just hate how racial this case became so I get edgy. my disgust with how the racebaiters have been overlooked gets me riled..Wont happen again

IMO this is a very sad case that has been blown out of proportion from the beginning on both sides of the "isle".  Personally, I don't think either one of them is totally innocent.  It's just very sad. 

http://abcnews.go.com/US/george-zimmerman-parents-website-decries-threats-son-racist/story?id=16866964

Zimmerman Parents' New Website Decries Threats, Says Son Is No Racist
July 27, 2012

A week after George Zimmerman rolled out a revamped website, his parents have unveiled their own website, detailing in voluminous detail the upheaval and death threats suffered by three generations of the family after their son, 28, shot and killed Trayvon Martin, 17, on Feb. 26.
 
The younger Zimmerman's website, therealgeorgezimmerman.com, is an open appeal for donations to help pay for his legal fees, security and living expenses, and a forum to try to offer an unfiltered account of who George Zimmerman is.
 
The parents' site, called robertandgladys.com aims to counter the way their son has been "savagely portrayed in the media," and has a tab asking for contributions to their "greatly increased living expenses."
 
What follows is a painstaking detailed history of the family -- from Robert and Gladys Zimmerman's courtship in the late 1970s to the frenzied days after the shooting.
 
In his missive, Robert Zimmerman describes a barrage of threatening calls, the media "beating down our door" and death threats.
 
The worst came, he writes, after Rosanne Barr published the family's address and phone numbers.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/27/shellie-zimmerman-george-zimmerman-wife-perjury-charge_n_1712069.html

Shellie Zimmerman, George Zimmerman's Wife, Pleads Not Guilty On Perjury Charge
07/27/12 06:28 PM ET

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The wife of Trayvon Martin's shooter has entered a plea of not guilty on a perjury charge.

Shellie Zimmerman will be arraigned Tuesday in central Florida after a judge said she lied about her and husband George Zimmerman's finances during a bond hearing.

Shellie Zimmerman was arrested June 12 and released on bond the same day.

Her attorney Kelly Sims entered the written plea Friday and also waived Zimmerman's right to appear in court.
 ::snipping2::

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-07-27/news/os-shellie-zimmerman-plea-20120727_1_murder-defendant-sims-george-zimmerman

Shellie Zimmerman's perjury plea: Not guilty
8:09 p.m. EST, July 27, 2012

Shellie Zimmerman says she's not guilty of perjury.

Her new attorney, Kelly B. Sims, filed paperwork Friday entering that plea on her behalf. That means she won't have to show up at the Seminole County criminal building Tuesday for arraignment.
 ::snipping2::

Friday was the first time Sims, a board-certified criminal-trial specialist, was identified as Shellie Zimmerman's lawyer. The Orlando attorney has been practicing in Florida for more than 20 years and has worked on high-profile cases in the past.
 ::snipping2::

Sims couldn't be reached for comment Friday afternoon. His filings were received by the Seminole County clerk about 4:35 p.m., a court spokeswoman said.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/trayvon-martin/os-george-zimmerman-taaffe-arrest-20120730,0,4514879.story

Neighbor who defended Zimmerman in interviews arrested on DUI charge
Monday, July 30, 2012

Frankly, I'd be drinking too after getting pulled into this crazy mess.

http://mrctv.org/videos/michael-moore-doesnt-trayvon-martin-actually-have-right-kill-george-zimmerman

Michael Moore: 'Doesn't Trayvon Martin actually have the right to kill George Zimmerman?'

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/30/justice/florida-zimmerman-wife/?hpt=us_c2

Zimmerman's wife pleads not guilty on perjury charge
updated 7:34 PM EDT, Mon July 30, 2012

(CNN) -- The wife of George Zimmerman will not be at her scheduled arraignment Tuesday after pleading not guilty to perjury for allegedly lying about the family's finances as her husband faced murder charges, a court official said.
 
Shellie Zimmerman's lawyer, Kelly Sims, on Friday entered a written not guilty plea and waiver for her not to personally appear at her arraignment, Seminole County, Florida, court spokeswoman Michelle Kennedy said Monday.
 
"Neither Ms. Zimmerman or her attorney are required to attend the arraignment," Kennedy said by e-mail. " "Ms. Zimmerman's name will remain on the docket, but her case will not be called."
 ::snipping2::
Kennedy, the court spokeswoman, also said Monday that she expected Lester to issue a ruling "sometime this week," though she did not indicate what it would be about.
 
Earlier in July, Zimmerman filed a motion in circuit court saying Zimmerman cannot get a fair trial because Lester used "gratuitous, disparaging" language in his second bail order.
 ::snipping2::

Controversy sparks over Trayvon Martin memorial
City of Sanford holds community meeting over 17-year-old's memorial
July 31 '12


CNN
 SANFORD, Fla. -
Controversy is sparking over the new location for a memorial for Trayvon Martin, the Sanford teen who was shot and killed by neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman.

Around 100 people attended a meeting Monday night over the relocation of a memorial from the Retreat at Twin Lakes neighborhood where Martin was shot and killed Feb. 26.

Some residents felt moving it was disrespectful to move it and saw it as a way to remember the 17-year-old.

"We want the memorial back up,"  said resident Turner Clayton of the NAACP. "It is not on display in the museum, it's packed away in a box."

Others who lived in the neighborhood wanted the memorial moved, saying it was an eyesore and cast their neighborhood in a bad light.

"They were taken to be preserved at the Sanford Museum," said Sanford City Manager Norton Bonaparte. "That angered some people."

The question over how to memorialize Martin grew into a discussion about what to do about the other 25 recent deaths in Sanford and if other memorials around town should be relocated. Clayton pointed out other memorials around town should be treated the same way.

"The city has not as of today answered any questions to my satisfaction as to why this particular memorial was removed in the first place," he said.  ::snipping2:: 

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/Controversy-sparks-over-Trayvon-Martin-memorial/-/1637132/15866622/-/t68dykz/-/index.html

http://www.examiner.com/article/obama-appointee-interfered-with-2008-black-panther-voter-intimidation-case
Obama appointee interfered with 2008 Black Panther voter intimidation case
JULY 31, 2012
(http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/99/70/9970586658758c4e5d15abbcf2db3218.png)
This is the group calling for GZ's life.  And this situation is one reason I don't trust that justice system can be blind and impartial in this case.

A two-page article

http://www.wesh.com/news/central-florida/trayvon-martin-extended-coverage/George-Zimmerman-wants-out-of-Seminole-County/-/14266478/15887782/-/4k7wwu/-/index.html

George Zimmerman wants out of Seminole County
UPDATED 6:22 PM EDT Jul 31, 2012

ORLANDO -
George Zimmerman wants to change the terms of his probation that require him to live in Seminole County while he awaits trial.
 
His lawyer, Mark O'Mara, said one main concern is money. He said Seminole County is the most dangerous place for Zimmerman to live, and the cost of round-the-clock security is draining the defense fund.
 
"We're preparing to file a motion to modify George's bond to allow him to move out of Seminole County," said O'Mara.
 
If the money continues to go out faster than it comes in, the next step will be to declare him indigent.
 
"It has around $40,000 to $50,000 in it -- not as much coming in, and it's draining off due to things like providing security," he said.
 
Zimmerman posted a $1 million bond a little more than three weeks ago.
 
O'Mara said Zimmerman's much-talked-about interview failed to generate donations.
 
Criminal defense attorney Richard Hornsby said it's time for Zimmerman to cut costs, and he questions whether all that security is necessary.
 
"The close security made sense a few weeks ago, but things have died down as of late," he said.
 
One big obstacle to Zimmerman's motion is for Judge Ken Lester to disqualify himself. He is expected to decide by Friday
 ::snipping2::
Read more...

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-07-31/news/os-zimmerman-judge-stand-your-ground-20120731_1_zimmerman-case-trayvon-martin-case-george-zimmerman

George Zimmerman judge holds 'stand your ground' hearing in another murder case
5:15 p.m. EST, July 31, 2012

SANFORD — The judge in the George Zimmerman case will hold a Stand Your Ground hearing Wednesday in the case of an Oviedo woman who says she shot her estranged husband while he was raping her.

Anita Smithey is charged with second-degree murder for shooting Robert Cline III.

Oviedo police found his body on her bedroom floor May 4, 2010. Smithey was screaming, crying, shaking and bleeding from a knife wound to the side, one that police say she admitted inflicting on herself after she killed the 41-year-old Cline.
 ::snipping2::

https://twitter.com/bobkealing/status/230645613090459648

8:46 AM - 1 Aug 12

#Breaking: Judge dismisses #Zimmerman motion to disqualify himself as "legally insufficient." #TrayvonMartin

George Zimmerman judge: No, I won't step aside


By Rene Stutzman and Jeff Weiner, Orlando Sentinel

9:30 a.m. EST, August 1, 2012



http://www.realitychatter.com/t4044p950-george-zimmerman-trayvon-martin-case-general-discussion-6

Judge Lester, official document

http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/news/documents/2012/08/01/Order_Dismissing_Defendants_Motion_to_Disqualify_Trial_Judge.pdf

With the judge not stepping down,it sounds like there may be grounds being set up for a future mistrial. Just a thought.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/01/tagblogsfindlawcom2012-blotter-idUS109273084220120801

Zimmerman's Judge Rejects Motion to Step Down
Wed Aug 1, 2012 6:21pm EDT

 ::snipping2::
So how did the judge reach his ruling?

It may seem a bit strange, but under Florida's Rules of Judicial Administration, the same judge who is accused of bias gets to decide whether he is in fact too biased to preside over the case in front of him.

In the motion asking George Zimmerman's judge to step down, Florida's rules required Judge Lester to "determine only the legal sufficiency of the motion." Zimmerman's motion failed that test, Judge Lester wrote in his ruling.

But the judge did not further explain why he found the motion insufficient. That's likely because Florida's rules explicitly state: "No other reason for denial shall be stated, and an order of denial shall not take issue with the motion."

Zimmerman's motion had accused Judge Lester of making opinionated remarks about evidence and "advocat[ing] for Mr. Zimmerman to be prosecuted for additional crimes" in his July 5 order setting bail.

In that order, Lester found Zimmerman "tried to manipulate the system" in allowing his wife Shellie to misrepresent their finances, according to Reuters. Shellie Zimmerman was arrested for perjury and has pleaded not guilty, according to CNN.

Prosecutors had opposed the motion asking George Zimmerman's judge to step down, Miami's WTVJ reports. Judge Lester's granting bail and other privileges to Zimmerman show the judge was not biased, prosecutors had argued.

Zimmerman, charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin, can appeal Judge Lester's ruling, but has not yet decided whether to do so, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2018832537_apusneighborhoodwatchpolicechief.html

Emails show vitriol toward Sanford police chief
Originally published Thursday, August 2, 2012 at 9:23 AM

SANFORD, Fla. —
In his waning days as Sanford police chief, Bill Lee received blistering emails with every curse word imaginable, criticizing him for not immediately arresting George Zimmerman for fatally shooting 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
 
Emails obtained by The Associated Press show he also got requests for media interviews from as far away as Qatar's Al Jazeera network and letters of support from other law enforcement officers nationwide. Emails from the scholarly website, racismreview.com, and the media monitoring site, TVEyes, started showing up in his inbox even though he hadn't subscribed to them.
 
"The truth will come out later," Lee wrote in an email to a supporter.
 
Martin's Feb. 26 death in a gated community in the Orlando suburb of Sanford first drew national attention on March 8, the day his relatives held their first news conference to draw attention that Zimmerman hadn't been arrested. Zimmerman wouldn't be charged with second-degree murder until 44 days after the shooting. During that time, protesters around the nation demanded Zimmerman's arrest, and the Sanford Police Department was accused of racism and incompetence
 ::snipping2::
By mid-March, as the fury was building, Lee sent out an email to his officers, warning them to take precautions when responding to calls given that emotions were running high. He also defended his department's actions.
 
"Be courteous and professional when members of the community may voice their position and disdain for the police department," he wrote. "The investigation of this incident was complete and unbiased. There is no reason for anyone in the police department to feel we have done anything but a professional job in providing police service and trying to rebuild the trust of the community."

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-08-04/news/os-trayvon-martin-young-blacks-flier-20120803_1_trayvon-martin-george-zimmerman-sanford-man

Flier suggests deaths of young black males ignored — cops disagree
9:55 p.m. EST, August 4, 2012

A flier being circulated in Sanford's Goldsboro community shows the faces of eight young black males, including Trayvon Martin, who died violently.

The missive, still being handed out nearly six months after Trayvon's shooting and four months after George Zimmerman was charged in his death, states that the victims' families have yet to receive justice.

"Our young black men are dying at a far greater rate than they should be," the flier states. "They are being killed for meaningless reasons, and the sad thing about it is that their murders are going unresolved."

The flier continues: "These young men pictured above are just a few of Sanford's young men that have been murdered, and the families have yet to receive justice for them."

Though details of Trayvon's case are widely known, court documents and police reports in the other killings show that law-enforcement officials have pursued the cases and prosecuted some individuals. Here's a synopsis of each killing:

•Corey Donaldson, 34, was at a home on Cypress Avenue in October when he and three other men were shot. Donaldson died, and the three others were hospitalized, including the nephew of legendary Major League Baseball player Tim "Rock" Raines. Tremaine Patrick, 29, turned himself in to police a day later. He is charged with second-degree murder, aggravated battery and shooting into a building. He has pleaded not guilty.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/04/2933157/the-trayvon-martin-truth-squad.html


Posted on Sunday, 08.05.12

The Trayvon Martin truth squad: a Web phenomenon

Everybody needs a hobby. For these folks, it’s obsessively digging through evidence and theorizing what really happened.

By Frances Robles
frobles@MiamiHerald.com

While other people watch reality shows, a marketing specialist in Michigan who goes by the name “Bcclist” spends time in his yard, calculating Trayvon Martin’s last steps with a tape measure and smartphone stop watch.

He is joined on the Internet by Dave Turner, an Illinois man who had his sons yell in the dark from a distance of 30 feet to see whether he could tell which one cried for help.

Both men are often guided by the work of “Tchoupi,” an engineer with a Ph.D. in physics who has spent countless hours making maps, analyzing witness statements and fleeting headlight patterns in surveillance videos to compute George Zimmerman’s moves the night he killed Trayvon.

The three are among a growing group of people on the Internet so fascinated by the mystery of the killing that captivated the nation that they are out to crack the case themselves. They listen to jailhouse calls, pore over witness statements, study evidentiary documents and measure walking speeds.

After hundreds of hours going through the records, some believe they have debunked Zimmerman’s account of what happened that rainy Feb. 26 night in a gated community in Sanford, when the former neighborhood watch volunteer says he was jumped by Trayvon and was forced to kill him during a struggle. Others say the same evidence points a finger at Trayvon, the 17-year-old Miami Gardens high school junior who they believe contributed to his own death. Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder.

 ::snipping2::

Next court date for GZ is this Wednesday, August 8, at 8:30 a.m., Docket Sounding.

http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/08/06/49017.htm

Monday, August 06, 2012
Insurer Denies Coverage to HOA in Trayvon Martin's Death

ORLANDO (CN) - Traveler's Insurance sued Trayvon Martin's mother and The Retreat at Twin Lakes Homeowners' Association, where her son was killed, claiming it has no responsibility to defend the HOA or cover the teen-ager's death.
     Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America sued The Retreat at Twin Lakes Homeowners' Association and Sybrina Fulton, as representative of her son's estate, in Federal Court.
     The Retreat at Twin Lakes' Neighborhood Watch captain George Zimmerman shot Trayvon Martin to death on Feb. 26.
     The shooting set off a national furor, as police initially let Martin's killer, George Zimmerman, go free after questioning him. Martin was black; Zimmerman is not.
     Travelers claims that on March 30, it issued the HOA a "claims-made, nonprofit management and organization liability insurance policy.
     Fulton then sought monetary damages against the HOA's Travelers' policy, for her son's death.
     Travelers claims it is not liable because of the policy's "wrongful act" exclusion.
     Travelers claims the exclusion states: "'The insurer shall not liable to make any payment for loss in connection with any claim made against any of its insureds: 1) based upon, arising out of, directly or indirectly resulting from, in consequence of, or in any way involving bodily injury, sickness, mental anguish, emotional distress, disease or death of a person, provided that this exclusion shall not apply to allegations of mental anguish or emotional distress if an only to the extent that such allegations are made as part of a claim for wrongful employment practices.'
     "Travelers is in doubt of its rights under the policy and, by this petition, seeks a declaration of its rights and obligations with respect to the claim and demand made by Fulton upon Travelers and The Retreat at Twin Lakes as a result of the fatal shooting or Martin, and a finding by the court that under the above-referenced policy of insurance Travelers has no duty to indemnify or defend The Retreat at Twin Lakes in connection with the Fulton claim because coverage is precluded by the above exclusion."
 ::snipping2::

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_NEIGHBORHOOD_WATCH_CLAIM?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-08-06-11-11-41

TRAYVON MARTIN'S PARENTS SEEK MONEY FROM FLA. FUND

Aug 6, 11:22 AM EDT

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/03/george-zimmermans-parents-fund_n_1738747.html

George Zimmerman's Parents, Robert And Gladys Zimmerman, Start Fund To Help Pay Bills

The Huffington Post  |  By Eleanor Goldberg Posted: 08/03/2012 5:43 pm

The bills are mounting for George Zimmerman’s mom and dad and they’re calling on donors for help.

The parents of Zimmerman, the neighborhood watchman charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting unarmed Florida teen Trayvon Martin, have established an online fund to help pay their living expenses. On the recently-launched donation site, Zimmerman’s dad, Robert, writes about his medical bills and how he and his wife, Gladys, have been on the move since the February shooting.

“We fully realize that the peaceful, secure life we once knew is now just a memory,” Robert writes. “Therefore, I am providing a link for those supporters who would like to leave us a personal message or contribute to our greatly increased living expenses, and our eventual relocation.”

Before retiring, Robert served in the U.S. Army for 21 years and Gladys was a physical education teacher before working at a court in Virginia, according to the site. The two initially asked only for prayers after the shooting and their son's arrest, but now say that they need monetary support.

According to the site, Robert is suffering from numerous health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and heart problems. After receiving a number of death threats, the Zimmermans say they have also been forced to pay to frequently relocate.

“Gladys and I have planned and worked hard our entire married life (36 years) in order that someday we would be able to spend some quality, peaceful time together in our retirement years,” Robert writes. “Our dreams ended on February 26th.”

 ::snipping2::

Trayvon Martin's parents seek money from Fla. fund
Aug 6 '12
 
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Trayvon Martin's mother has asked for an undisclosed amount of money from a state fund set up to help crime victims with things like funeral expenses and counseling, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.

The documents, obtained through a public records request, show Sybrina Fulton applied for the compensation benefits after her son was fatally shot last February by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in a gated community in Sanford, Fla. It was not immediately clear how Martin's family would use the money.

The state Attorney General's Office, which administers the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund, refused to disclose the sum sought by Fulton and her former husband, Tracy Martin. Payouts can reach $30,000.  ::snipping2:: 

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_NEIGHBORHOOD_WATCH_CLAIM?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-08-06-11-11-41
 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/trayvon-martins-mother-seeks-money-from-homeowners-association-and-crime-victims-fund/2012/08/06/72d49ace-dfff-11e1-8d48-2b1243f34c85_story.html

Trayvon Martin’s mother seeks money from homeowners’ association and crime victims’ fund
Updated: Monday, August 6, 2:51

ORLANDO, Fla. — Trayvon Martin’s mother is asking for at least $75,000 from the homeowners’ association of the gated community where her teenage son was fatally shot by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, court documents show.
 ::snipping2::
Notes taken by a victims’ advocate who works for the State Attorney’s Office in Sanford show that Tracy Martin had a life insurance policy through his employer that paid for most of the expenses incurred from Trayvon Martin’s death. Despite that, Tracy Martin still had out-of-pocket expenses of $1,300, according to the notes in the records obtained by the AP.

The Attorney General’s Office paid out more than $25 million in the 2010-11 fiscal year to more than 16,000 compensation claims.

Money for the fund comes from court fees assessed on offenders, as well as other sources. Applicants can be reimbursed for lost wages, funeral expenses, medical expenses and mental health counseling.

Fulton’s friend filed the initial application on her behalf as a favor, but Fulton hasn’t had time to fill out the paperwork needed to process the claim, said Ben Crump, an attorney for Martin’s parents. She didn’t want to disclose how much she was applying for and what expenses the money would cover, Crump said.

“She has a big stack of papers at her house,” Crump said. “I’m going to encourage her to fill it out.”

A hearing on the scheduling of Zimmerman’s trial is set for later this week

I think the writer meant to say that Robert Zimmerman and not his wife worked for the Virginia court after retiring from the military.  He was a judicial magistrate from 2000-2006. 

http://thegrio.com/2012/03/29/robert-j-zimmerman-trayvon-shooters-dad-a-magistrate-in-virginia-court-system/

"From the Virginia judicial website, it’s clear that Zimmerman’s duties had much to do with dealing with people under arrest:

In many instances, a citizen’s first contact with Virginia’s Judicial System comes through the office of the magistrate. A principal function of the magistrate is to provide an independent, unbiased review of complaints of criminal conduct brought to the office by law enforcement or the general public. Magistrate duties include issuing various types of processes such as arrest warrants, summonses, bonds, search warrants, subpoenas, and certain civil warrants. Magistrates also conduct bail hearings in instances in which an individual is arrested on a warrant charging him or her with a criminal offense. Magistrates provide services on an around-the-clock basis, conducting hearings in person or through the use of videoconferencing systems.

The magistrate system for the Commonwealth (of Virginia) is divided into eight regions, and each magistrate is authorized to exercise his or her powers throughout the magisterial region for which he or she is appointed. Each region is comprised of between three and five judicial districts. There are magistrate offices located throughout Virginia, including at least one in each of Virginia’s 32 judicial districts.

An ABC affiliate in Florida posted a statement from Kristi Wright, with the Department of Legislative and Public Relations in Virginia, which read:

“Robert J. Zimmerman served as a full-time magistrate from 2000-2006.""

Robert J. Zimmerman, Trayvon shooter's dad, a magistrate in Virginia court system
by Joy-Ann Reid | March 29, 2012 at 6:21 PM


***I forgot to include the date of the original article in the link I provided in my previous post

The link to Robert Zimmerman's blog/donation site:

http://robertandgladys.com/

I do feel badly that they have been threatened but I wonder why Robert failed to mention he was a judicial magistrate for seven years after retiring from the military?

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/George-Zimmerman-s-attorney-to-speak-at-gun-rights-conference/-/1637132/15990484/-/llrtrm/-/index.html

George Zimmerman's attorney to speak at gun-rights conference
Published On: Aug 06 2012 07:27:19 PM EDT

ORLANDO, Fla. -
Local 6 has learned the attorney for George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watchman who shot and killed Trayvon Martin, is speaking at a grassroots activists group for national gun rights in Orlando.

Mark O'Mara will speak at the 27th Annual Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC 2012) in Orlando, FL at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport hotel September 28- 30.

According to a release, the conference will focus on city gun bans, "smart" guns, concealed carry, federal legislation, legal actions, gun show regulation, state and local activity.
 ::snipping2::

Thanks Amys Sister!  It is a very poorly written sentence, grammatically! 

Thanks for clarifying the correct interpretation :-)

http://www.businessinsider.com/george-zimmerman-wins-motion-to-postpone-his-case-2012-8

George Zimmerman Wins Motion To Postpone His Case
Aug. 7, 2012, 9:14 AM

George Zimmerman, the man who shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, has been awarded his second request to extend his case.
 
His motion to continue was granted Tuesday morning, according to documents released by the Florida State Attorney's Office.
 
Zimmerman is now scheduled to appear in court at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 3.

Read more...

Trayvon Martin's Parents Seek Money From Fla. Fund
August 6, 2012 (AP)

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/trayvon-martins-parents-seek-money-fla-fund-16939320

http://www.scribd.com/doc/102137334/Cover-Sheet

http://www.scribd.com/doc/102137336/Petition-for-Declaratory-Relief

http://www.scribd.com/doc/102137339/Plaintiff-Exhibit-A

Sybrina Fulton Shares The Similarities Between Russell Simmons & Maya Angelou
Aug 5 '12

Sybrina Fulton has gone through the hardest year of her life, losing her son Trayvon Martin at the hands of George Zimmerman, and fighting endlessly to seek justice, but somehow she has still come out on top.

The mother of two took some time out of her busy schedule last weekend to attend Russell Simmons' 13th annual Art For Life charity event.  ::snipping2:: 

Read more: http://globalgrind.com/news/sybrina-fulton-shares-similarities-between-russell-simmons-maya-angelou#ixzz22uDi7EIC

Video at link

http://gzlegalcase.com/

Zimmerman Defense Files Motion to Continue
on 07 August 2012.

The Court granted the defense team’s Motion to Continue, which postpones the Docket Sounding scheduled on Wednesday August 8 until October 3. The purpose of a Docket Sounding is to provide the Court with an update regarding the progress of the case, and to establish a timeline for official legal proceedings, whether that be motion hearings, disposition, or trial.

We filed our Motion to Continue because there is still a great deal of information to be gathered regarding this case, and we are in the early stages of preparing our reciprocal discovery -- a process that can take a few months -- and it is simply too early in the process to set firm trial dates.

This motion is consistent with a rough timeline for defending Mr. Zimmerman that we described in a release dated June 1, a timeline that includes: drafting discovery requests and working through potential resistance; deposing more than 50 potential witnesses and experts; and filing appropriate motions (including a potential “stand your ground” motion).

Moreover, since our June 1 statement, a number of issues, including the revocation of Mr. Zimmerman’s bond and our Motion to Disqualify Trial Judge, have added to the complexity of the defense process.

Moving forward, we expect there will be additional motions to continue, and it is anticipated, though not certain, that this case will not be ready for trial until early next year.
 ::snipping2::

http://gzlegalcase.com/index.php/press-releases/42-there-will-be-a-stand-your-ground-hearing-in-the-george-zimmerman-case


There Will Be A "Stand Your Ground" Hearing in the George Zimmerman Case
on 09 August 2012.

       

Since the beginning, there has been a rush to judgement in the case against George Zimmerman. Since the first day of his involvement, Mr. O’Mara has emphasized that people should be patient and wait for the evidence to be released before forming opinions about the case.
 
Now that the State has released the majority of their discovery, the defense asserts that there is clear support for a strong claim of self-defense. Consistent with this claim of self-defense, there will be a “Stand Your Ground” hearing.
 
In the case against George Zimmerman, a “Stand Your Ground” hearing will essentially be a mini-trial. Most of the arguments, witnesses, experts, and evidence that the defense would muster in a criminal trial will be presented in the “Stand Your Ground” hearing.
 
There are significant differences between a “Stand Your Ground” hearing and a trial. In a “Stand Your Ground” hearing, there is no jury; the decision is made by the judge alone. In a criminal trial, the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, but in a “Stand Your Ground” hearing, the burden is on the defense to prove that the evidence fits the conditions of the “Stand Your Ground” law. If the Court rules in favor of the defendant in a “Stand Your Ground” hearing, not only are criminal charges dismissed, the defendant is also immune from civil actions related to the shooting. The primary focus of a “Stand Your Ground” hearing is whether George Zimmerman reasonably believed that his use of his weapon was necessary to prevent great bodily harm to himself at the hands of Trayvon Martin.
 
Preparing for the “Stand Your Ground” hearing will require the same time and resources that would be necessary to prepare for a trial. It will take time to collect and submit reciprocal discovery, depose witnesses and experts, and identify evidence to be submitted during the hearing. We anticipate this will still take several months. Mr. O’Mara, again, urges everyone to be patient during this process and to reserve judgment until the evidence is presented in the “Stand Your Ground” hearing.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/08/09/tand-your-ground-hearing-could-potentially-clear-zimmerman-in-trayvon-martin/
'Stand Your Ground' hearing could potentially clear Zimmerman in Trayvon Martin shooting
August 9, 2012

George Zimmerman, accused in the shooting death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin, could be cleared of a second-degree murder charge if a judge rules in his favor in a new "Stand Your Ground" hearing.

Zimmerman's defense attorney Mark O'Mara announced on his website  Thursday that there will be a "Stand Your Ground" hearing based on his client's claim he shot the unarmed teen in self-defense. A finding in Zimmerman's favor would end the criminal case against him, as well as immunizing him from civil action.

"Now that the State has released the majority of their discovery, the defense asserts that there is clear support for a strong claim of self-defense. Consistent with this claim of self-defense, there will be a 'Stand Your Ground' hearing," said O'Mara in a statement.

The law allows people to use deadly force, rather than retreat, if they believe their lives are in danger.

O'Mara described the hearing as a "mini-trial," with arguments, witnesses, experts and evidence that would be included in a criminal trial, but without a jury.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/george-zimmerman-records-mistakenly-released-684512

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/08/prosecutors-accidentally-released-dead-trayvon-martin-photo.html

Today at 4:26 PM  (August 9, 2012)
Florida Prosecutors Accidentally Released a Photo of Trayvon Martin’s Body

The office of Special Prosecutor Angela Corey delivered 76 pages of new evidence to the media today, but inadvertently included a photograph of Trayvon Martin's dead body, along with school records for accused murderer George Zimmerman. The 17-year-old Martin can be seen face-down on a lawn after being shot in a black-and-white photocopied version of a picture taken by a witness. An aide for Corey followed the mistaken release with an e-mail noting that the "photo depicting the killing of a person" was "confidential and exempt" from public disclosure according to state law, but as of now, The Smoking Gun has published the grainy image.
 
The Orlando Sentinel, which opted not to include the photo, reports that "Corey's office released all of the documents, then retracted the majority," including Zimmerman's grades, which "show that contrary to what Zimmerman has said, he did not graduate from Seminole State College because he failed an astronomy class in the fall of 2011."
 
Among the public evidence is the disturbing detail that Martin's blood was found on the now-symbolic bag of Skittles he was carrying the night he died.
 ::snipping2::

http://thegrio.com/2012/08/09/new-evidence-released-in-zimmerman-trayvon-martin-case/

New evidence released in Zimmerman-Trayvon Martin case
August 9, 2012 at 4:27 PM

Prosecutors in the case of George Zimmerman, who is charged with second degree murder in the February 26th killing of Trayvon Martin, released new evidence Thursday, including Zimmerman’s college records, and the 911 call Martin’s father placed to Sanford, Florida police when his son failed to return to the house where the two were visiting.
 
The 76 pages of new evidence — part of which the state tried to recall shortly after releasing it to members of the news media — also included photos taken by a witness of the back of Zimmerman’s head on the night of the shooting inside the Retreat at Twin Lakes gated community, and a grainy, barely distinguishable picture of Trayvon Martin’s body, also apparently taken by the witness at the shooting scene.
 
The document release included an evidence receipt, listing items including the medical blanket used to cover the Miami teen’s body after the shooting, Zimmerman’s car keys, blood evidence collected from the bag of Skittles candy Martin was carrying at the time of his confrontation with Zimmerman, and from a flashlight found at the scene, audio recordings of witness interviews, and photos of Martin taken during the autopsy.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/09/2943103/records-show-zimmerman-got-ds.html

Posted on Thursday, 08.09.12

Records show George Zimmerman got D’s in criminal justice classes

Prosecutors accidentally released his academic record, which is normally exempt from Florida’s public-records laws. Also released by mistake: A photograph of Trayvon Martin’s corpse.

By Frances Robles
frobles@MiamiHerald.com

Prosecutors trying George Zimmerman on a second-degree murder charge accidentally released protected evidence Thursday, sending journalists and bloggers around the nation private academic transcripts showing that the neighborhood watch volunteer who aspired to become a judge did poorly on the classes in his major, criminal justice.

The prosecution also accidentally released a photo of Trayvon Martin’s body, which both sides in the case had agreed to keep from public view. The corpse photo was a grainy cellphone picture taken in the dark by one of the people who lives near the shooting scene. It was posted Thursday on blogs that subscribe to the Duval County State Attorney’s media email list.

Prosecutors recalled an email which contained Zimmerman’s academic records from his Virginia high school and Seminole State College, in Sanford, where he studied criminal justice, but many media outlets had already reviewed the material. The records show Zimmerman’s mediocre grades had led to academic probation.

He got D’s in Introduction to Criminal Justice and Juvenile Delinquency, and a C in a course called Evil Minds -Violent Predators. He failed algebra and astronomy and had been placed on academic probation in 2011.

At one point, his grade-point average dropped to a .5. His A’s in English, criminal litigation and a Marriage and Family class boosted his overall G.P.A. to 2.3.

In late 2011, he was declined an associate’s degree because he had failed a class and did not have the credits to graduate. He was expelled from the school about three weeks after the killing, when the struggling student suddenly became the focus of a national media firestorm for having killed an unarmed teenager.

Zimmerman claimed he shot Trayvon in self-defense after the Miami Gardens teen attacked him.

Legal experts said prosecutors probably reviewed Zimmerman’s school records because they could suggest that he had enough knowledge of criminal justice to concoct a self defense claim on the fly.

“To the extent that he had some knowledge of self defense, he would have been able to put together a story that made some sense,” said Frederick Leatherman, a retired Seattle defense lawyer and legal-issues blogger who has reviewed all the Zimmerman case evidence. “As he conjured up this story, he didn’t know that a lot of the forensics would not match.”

 ::snipping2::

http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/09/justice/florida-trayvon-accidental-release/index.html

Florida prosecutors mistakenly release confidential Zimmerman case documents
updated 5:25 AM EDT, Fri August 10, 2012

 ::snipping2::
In his six-page order sealing some court documents in June, Lester noted the media scrutiny of the case.
 
"News stories have been routinely disseminated presenting opinion and rumors as fact. Any person who has logged onto a news website in the last three months has at the least seen a headline relating to the case," he wrote. "As noted, common sense tells this court that the full disclosure of information, as sought by the media interveners, will irreparably harm the ... ability to receive a fair trial."

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-08-13/news/os-george-zimmerman-press-conference-20120813_1_george-zimmerman-trayvon-martin-mark-o-mara

George Zimmerman's lawyers to hold press conference
1:06 p.m. EST, August 13, 2012

George Zimmerman's legal team is expected to hold a press conference this afternoon at lead attorney Mark O'Mara's downtown Orlando offices.

 O'Mara is expected to talk about his intention to request a hearing under Florida's controversial "stand your ground" law. If granted immunity under that law, Zimmerman would be immune from prosecution.

O'Mara is also expected to address the accidental release last week of his client's educational records by prosecutors.
 ::snipping2::

The press conference is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.

http://gzlegalcase.com/index.php/press-releases

Zimmerman Defense Files Petition for Writ of Prohibition
on 13 August 2012.

On July 13, the defense team filed a Verified Motion to Disqualify Trial Judge. Judge Lester responded on August 1 by issuing an Order Dismissing Defendant's Verified Motion to Disqualify Trial Judge on the basis that it was legally insufficient. Today the defense team will file a Petition for Writ of Prohibition with the 5th District Court of Appeal.
 ::snipping2::

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-08-13/news/os-george-zimmerman-press-conference-20120813_1_george-zimmerman-trayvon-martin-mark-o-mara

George Zimmerman's lawyer to appeal judge's decision to stay on case
1:53 p.m. EST, August 13, 2012

George Zimmerman's lawyer is pushing forward with his fight for a new judge.

Mark O'Mara announced today that he will challenge a decision by Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. to stay on the case.

In court paperwork, O'Mara had asked Lester to step aside. That's because of a bond order in which the judge described Zimmerman as a manipulator and suggested that he might face contempt of court charges for helping hide $130,000.

But Lester on Aug. 1 rejected the request, writing only that O'Mara's pleading was legally insufficient.

O'Mara had 30 days to file an appeal. Today he said he would..
 ::snipping2::

http://www.businessinsider.com/lawyer-george-zimmerman-has-to-live-like-a-hermit-2012-8

Lawyer: George Zimmerman Has To Live 'Like A Hermit'
14 minutes ago (August 13, 2012)

 ::snipping2::
"If we had a true conversation," regarding the night Martin died and Zimmerman's case, the defense would be in a "much different position in this case," O'Mara said.
 
"He's not doing well," O'Mara said of Zimmerman. "He's getting by."
 
The appeals court will get to O'Mara's motion as quickly as it can, he said Monday. In the meantime, the defense is preparing for Zimmerman's "Stand Your Ground" hearing, meaning the judge can decide whether Zimmerman acted in justifiable self-defense when he shot and killed Martin.
 
Preparation for the full trial later on will take about four to five months, O'Mara said.
 
However, O'Mara said he doesn't like the term "Stand Your Ground" since it implies his client had the chance to leave but didn't do so.
 
"People look at 'Stand Your Ground' and they immediately think someone's standing there with deadly force," O'Mara said.
 
In this case, Zimmerman was reacting to having his nose broken and reacting to the fact that he felt he was being attacked, O'Mara said in his press conference.
 
In regards to the Florida state attorney mistakenly releasing Zimmerman's unredacted school records, O'Mara said he does believe it was a mistake, however  he called it "a little bit frustrating" that people are so interested in Zimmerman's school and medical records.
 
"Is it particularly relevant he went to school?" O'Mara said.

Read more...

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/13/2949940/zimmerman-defense-appeals-judges.html


Posted on Monday, 08.13.12

Trayvon Martin case
Zimmerman defense appeals judge’s refusal to step down
 
Defense attorney Mark O’Mara asked the Fifth District Court of Appeal to review the trial judge’s refusal to remove himself from the case, after the defense requested it citing what it considers bias against their client.

By Frances Robles
Frobles@MiamiHerald.com

George Zimmerman’s defense attorney asked a higher court Monday to reconsider the judge’s refusal to step down from the case.

Mark O’Mara filed a motion last month asking Seminole County Circuit Judge Kenneth R. Lester to recuse himself. Citing the judge’s scathing order setting bond at $1 million — in which the judge accused Zimmerman of getting read to skip town with a cache of donations — the defense said it has lost faith in the judge’s objectivity.

Judge Lester flatly rejected the request to step down, saying it had no legal merit.

Now O’Mara wants the Fifth District Court of Appeal to reconsider Lester’s ruling. He filed a 27-page motion at the Daytona Beach courthouse Monday afternoon.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/zimmermans-attorney-holds-news-conference/nQ9gM/

Updated: 4:34 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13, 2012 | Posted: 2:15 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13, 2012
Zimmerman's attorney asks higher court to remove judge from case

 ::snipping2::
O'Mara said Monday he expects the court to act quickly, but said it could take several weeks for a ruling.

"It's their timeline. As an 'extraordinary writ' they do try and get to it quickly, but that quickly could mean several weeks," said O'Mara.

Officials said the state and/or the judge generally has 20 days to respond to the appeal and an additional five days to mail it.  Zimmerman's legal team then has another 10 days to respond and five days to mail it.
 ::snipping2::
“It’s on the fence as to whether the Fifth District Court of Appeal is going to order Judge Lester removed from the case,” said WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer. “However, I wouldn't be surprised because of the language we saw in the judge's order setting bond.”

O'Mara also said the defense plans to try to get the case dismissed under traditional self-defense and not Florida's "stand your ground" statute.
 ::snipping2::

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/13/13261830-george-zimmermans-attorney-appeals-judges-decision-to-stay-on-case

George Zimmerman's attorney appeals judge's decision to stay on case
53 minutes ago  (August 13, 2012)

 ::snipping2::
O’Mara also discussed his recent announcement that the defense will seek a hearing under Florida’s controversial “stand your ground” law, telling reporters that he believes the facts of the case show that Zimmerman had no option but to shoot.

“Facts do not seem to support a stand your ground case,” O’Mara said. “I think the facts suggest in this case that what probably happened was my client was reacting to having his nose broken.”

Watch the most-viewed videos on NBCNews.com

O’Mara also said that Zimmerman will seek permission from Lester – or, if his appeal succeeds, a new judge – to leave Seminole County because he is living in fear.

“He really has to live as a hermit, unfortunately,” O’Mara said.

Zimmerman, 28, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, who was shot and killed while walking through a Sanford, Fla., neighborhood in February.

Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defense.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/08/13/zimmerman-defense-lawyers-wont-argue-tand-your-ground-in-florida-shooting-case/

Zimmerman defense lawyers won't argue 'stand-your-ground' in Florida shooting case
Published August 13, 2012
Associated Press

ORLANDO, Florida –  The attorney for the man who shot and killed unarmed Florida teenager Trayvon Martin said Monday he'll seek to get the case dismissed using a traditional self-defense argument and not the state's "stand your ground" statute.
 
Mark O'Mara, who is defending George Zimmerman against a second-degree murder charge in the fatal February shooting, said the traditional self-defense approach is appropriate because the facts suggest his client couldn't retreat from a beating Martin was giving him.
 
Zimmerman's attorneys had said last week that they would use Florida's controverial "stand your ground" law, which allows people to use deadly force -- rather than retreat -- if they believe their lives are in danger.
 
"The facts don't seem to support a `stand your ground' defense," O'Mara said.
  ::snipping2::
 
Zimmerman, 28, pleaded not guilty and was released on a $1 million bond while he awaits trial. If a judge were to side with Zimmerman in a pretrial hearing under either theory, the murder charge would be dismissed immediately. O'Mara said that he would not have to invoke any part of the "stand your ground" statute under the strategy he plans to use.
 
"I don't' like 'stand your ground' because I'm not sure it's a `stand your ground' case," O'Mara said.
 
University of Miami law professor Tamara Lave said this change by O'Mara may be a signal that he thinks his case for self-defense is solid even without the special provisions afforded by "stand your ground."
 
"'Stand your ground' makes it easier to prevail under self-defense theory than the law that existed beforehand," Lave said. "I think what he's saying is his case is so strong that he doesn't need `stand your ground."'

Read more...

Video of the news conference at the link

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-08-14/news/os-george-zimmerman-appeal-20120814_1_george-zimmerman-trayvon-martin-special-prosecutor-angela-corey

Three-judge panel named in George Zimmerman appeal
11:51 a.m. EST, August 14, 2012

The three appeals court judges who must decide whether or not murder suspect George Zimmerman deserves a new trial judge were named today.

They include two former Orlando judges and one from Brevard.

The Orlando judges are Alan Lawson and Jay Cohen. The one from Brevard is Kerry Evander.

On Monday, defense attorney Mark O'Mara filed the appeal with the Fifth District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.lawyerherald.com/articles/1891/20120815/george-zimmerman-trial-update-why-mark-o-mara-is-using-self-defense-not-stand-your-ground-in-travyon-martin-shooting-case.htm

George Zimmerman Trial Update: Why Mark O’Mara is Using Self-Defense, not ‘Stand Your Ground’ in Travyon Martin Shooting Case?
Aug 15, 2012 01:04 PM EDT

 ::snipping2::
However, O'Mara, Zimmerman's lawyer, who admitted he would use the Florida State's "Stand Your Ground," in a quick change of strategy said Tuesday, that he will not use take shelter in the immunity provided by the statue, but instead would present a clear case of self-defense.

According to the "Stand your Ground," law, if a person is in reasonable fear of danger than he/she could use deadly force, without having to evade the situation. This means that even though a person has the opportunity to escape his/her attacker he/she could choose to stand ground and fight back.

But now, Zimmerman's lawyer told the Huffington Post, "I think the facts seem to support that though we have a stand-your-ground immunity hearing, what this really is, is a simple, self-defense immunity hearing."

The basic argument, O'Mara will make is that Zimmerman was being attacked by the unarmed teenager and fired the shots in an act of pure defense without any opportunity to escape the situation.

Read more...

George and his wife sure went thru a lot of money. Paid off their credit cards and did I read that they paid off a car loan as well?   And he is worse off now financially than he was before this happened? Sounds like he has done ok financially to me. They would still  be owing those bills if this had  not happened. His lawyer has not received any money. Think of the money that he has one through since this all happened...more money than he and his wife probably made in years combined. Do any of us spend that  amount of money on normal monthly bills in this short amount of time?
I think tht they received a huge amount of money and have gone crazy spending...am I wrong on my thoughts?

I think we are in the wrong area, but I knew karma would catch up with them. I hope they die broke and living on the streets for what they did.

This whole George Zimmerman trial reeks of people trying to gain notoriety and collect money screaming race. Rent-a riot Jackson and his side kick ran down there to get their insignificant faces on TV. The new black panthers are always looking for a reason to incite racial violence and this was the perfect excuse.

I believe sane people on a jury in Florida will see right through all this and find him innocent. The only fear I have is they will get the same ignorant jurors that did the Casey Anthony case so they can pay them off to get the verdict they want.

I think cookie is talking about george zimmerman & his wife & u about the anthonys?
I dont think that gz should profit in any way off this case, but I do believe he acted in self defense. An opportunist maybe, but not a bigot who wanted to off a black kid. Any money he receives should pay to live like he did before when they were employable but not better. The majority of that money should pay his lawyers.. I dont necessarily think gz is a good person, but I disagree with the race card being played here. 9 times out of 10, those playing the race card are wrong to play it.

I am sick of the race card being used too. I don't think that George was a bigot either. Maybe a Barney Fife, but not bigot. And yes, an opportunist as well. 
Trayvon's parents are trying to make money off of this horrible crime too. It all is sickening to me.

Talking about George Z and his wife...:)

To clarify...

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-08-17/news/os-trayvon-martin-autopsy-20120817_1_trayvon-martin-george-zimmerman-blood-loss

Experts: Trayvon Martin's heart kept pumping after shooting
5:40 p.m. EST, August 17, 2012

George Zimmerman may have shot Trayvon Martin in the heart, but that didn't kill him instantly.

The 17-year-old survived for several minutes, according to two experts who reviewed Trayvon's autopsy for the Orlando Sentinel.

"You're talking about minutes, at least, for him to survive," said Dr. William Anderson, a forensic specialist and former deputy medical examiner for Orange and Osceola counties. "I think he would have been conscious … for a little time anyway."
 ::snipping2::
Witness accounts

There is other evidence that Trayvon survived for a short time. One witness told authorities that after the shooting Trayvon moved his leg.

Then there is Zimmerman's account. In a re-enactment for Sanford police the following day, the 28-year-old Neighborhood Watch volunteer said Trayvon moved and talked after he was wounded.

"I didn't think I hit him because he sat up and said, 'O.K. you got me. You got it. You got me. You got it,' something like that," Zimmerman said.

What else had he said, police Investigator Doris Singleton had asked during an earlier interrogation at police headquarters.

"Ow, ow," Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman is free on $1 million bond, awaiting trial on a second-degree murder charge

I'm watching the reinactment vidoe that George did for the police and he comes across to me a s being very sincere.

what does everybody else think?

here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qfkRTC5gF4&feature=related

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-08-20/news/os-george-zimmerman-subpoena-20120820_1_george-zimmerman-trayvon-martin-mark-o-mara

George Zimmerman fights subpoena asking for release of medical records
5:15 p.m. EST, August 20, 2012

SANFORD — Prosecutors want more of George Zimmerman's medical records, but he's fighting back.

Defense attorneyMark O'Marahas scheduled a hearing Friday to try to stop the release.

The state is asking for Zimmerman's records from an Altamonte Springs doctor's office. O'Mara already has released some, those that show what treatment Zimmerman got the day after he shot and killed Trayvon Martin Feb. 26 in Sanford.

The 28-year-old Zimmerman says he acted in self-defense after the teenager got on top of him and began beating him.

Those already-released medical records show that Zimmerman had a fractured nose, cuts to the back of his head and a back injury, but Special Prosecutor Angela Corey's office has asked for more, according to O'Mara's pleading.

O'Mara says they shouldn't get it. He's asking Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. to quash the subpoena. Both sides are to be in court Friday at 8:30 a.m. Zimmerman is not expected to be there.

In court paperwork made public Monday, O'Mara wrote that those records are private and that if the doctor's office surrenders them, prosecutors will release them to the public.
 ::snipping2::

if George's injuries are legit, why wouldn"t he want the medical records released?  hiding something?

GZ has released his medical records from his doctor regarding the treatment for the injuries of February 26.  The SA subpoena wants more medical records.  The "Amended Notice of Objection of Subpoena" explains the reasons why he objects.  He is willing to have the court review the medical records to determine if anything should be disclosed--

http://184.172.211.159/~gzdocs/documents/motions/amended_notice_of_objection_to_subpoena.pdf
 

George says the request is too board and the records contain information that is irrelevant.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/21/2961410/zimmerman-doesnt-want-medical.html#disqus_thread

As I understand it, GZ's injuries with respect to this case, are known - and that medical information is known, it was released by the State.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the State is going for "all" of GZ's medical records.

The hearing is about the State shouldn't have all the other medical records throughout GZ's life, when they already have the records of GZ's injuries relevant to this case.

I believe that GZ wants to prevent the SA subpoena to his doctor for all medical records, and he wants the judge to review the medical records to determine if anything is relevant for the trial.  I think that if the SA receives additional medical records, it becomes part of discovery and will probably be released to the public. 

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/22/2963530/attorney-shuts-down-george-zimmerman.html

Posted on Wednesday, 08.22.12
Attorney shuts down George Zimmerman Facebook page

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The attorney for the man who fatally shot Trayvon Martin says he is shutting down a Facebook page the defense team was using because it was leading to unhelpful discussions.
 ::snipping2::

Read more here...

http://gzlegalcase.com/index.php/press-releases

Defense Closing the George Zimmerman Legal Case Page on Facebook
on 22 August 2012.

Today we are inactivating the George Zimmerman Legal Case page on Facebook. We established the page in late April as a companion to the GZlegalcase.com website and @gzlegalcase Twitter account. On April 28, we published an article called “Why Social Media for George Zimmerman,” where we established seven goals for our digital media presence. While Facebook helped meet most of these goals during the first three months of its activation, it has been providing diminishing returns since and has increasingly become a concern to us.
 ::snipping2::

understand that GZ would not want ALL of his medical records released...that is rather personal.
However, I understood it to be medical records pertaining to his injuries the night of the shooting..

Who is to say if GZ caused his own injuries as a defense? could have happened...
too many unknowns with this case so far to form an opinion of what really occurred that night..jmo...

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/George-Zimmerman-Asks-Judge-To-Let-Him-Leave-Seminole-County-167233825.html

George Zimmerman Asks Judge To Let Him Leave Seminole County
Attorney Mark O'Mara made the request in a motion filed Thursday
Thursday, Aug 23, 2012  |  Updated 4:44 PM EDT

 ::snipping2::
He asked Lester to modify the conditions of Zimmerman’s release and lift the restriction requiring him to live in Seminole County in a motion filed with the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Thursday.

“Communications have been unnecessarily limited to telephone and occasional visits by counsel. Mr. Zimmerman must be able to travel to meet with his lawyers, and to attend to various other necessary matters to prepare this matter to move forward,” O’Mara said of his client, who is charged with second-degree murder in the Feb. 26 shooting of Miami Gardens teen Trayvon Martin in Sanford.
 ::snipping2::
Meantime, prosecutors responded to Zimmerman’s objection to their request for his medical records.
 ::snipping2::
“The records provided by Altamonte Family Practice describe what Defendant claims happened when he came into contact with Trayvon Martin, as well (as) treatment administered by a physician’s assistant,” and they refer to Zimmerman being informed that he should be seen by an ear, nose and throat doctor, which he refused to do, de la Rionda wrote.

But, he noted, “The records provided do not include any notes, photographs, X-rays, CT scan, MRI or anything else related to his treatment that day. The State wants to make sure that no other records exist.”
 ::snipping2::

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/George-Zimmerman-s-mother-in-law-charged-with-DUI/-/1637132/16249684/-/10bhp5az/-/index.html

George Zimmerman's mother-in-law charged with DUI
Published On: Aug 23 2012 11:45:36 PM EDT

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -
Volusia County deputies arrested George Zimmerman's mother-in-law for suspicion of driving under the influence of prescription pills.

Drivers on SR 415 near Osteen were in a panic, and can be heard in 9-1-1 calls begging deputies to pull over the swerving car.

911 Caller: "Oh he just ran off the side of the road. Now he's back on. Now he's in the other lane. Oh my God, there's traffic coming!"

That caller was right in front of the weaving car, that deputies said was driven by Machelle Smothers Dean, 53, of Lake Mary. Local 6 has learned Dean is Shellie Zimmerman's mother and George Zimmerman's mother-in-law.
 ::snipping2::
According to the police report, Dean told deputies she took two hydrocodone pills before she got behind the wheel, but is also prescribed Xanax and another sedative.
 ::snipping2::

 

George Zimmerman Asks Judge To Let Him Leave Seminole County

Attorney Mark O'Mara made the request in a motion filed Thursday

By Edward B. Colby | Thursday, Aug 23, 2012 | Updated 5:36 PM PDT

~Snipped~

Zimmerman has asked Lester to stop a subpoena for his medical records, saying the request is too broad and will include irrelevant information. A hearing is scheduled for Friday.

In his response filed with the court Thursday, Assistant State Attorney Bernardo de la Rionda wrote that several pages have been provided so far concerning Zimmerman’s treatment at the Altamonte Family Practice on Feb. 27.

(snip)  “The records provided by Altamonte Family Practice describe what Defendant claims happened when he came into contact with Trayvon Martin, as well (as) treatment administered by a physician’s assistant,” and they refer to Zimmerman being informed that he should be seen by an ear, nose and throat doctor, which he refused to do, de la Rionda wrote.

But, he noted, “The records provided do not include any notes, photographs, X-rays, CT scan, MRI or anything else related to his treatment that day. The State wants to make sure that no other records exist.”

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/George-Zimmerman-Asks-Judge-To-Let-Him-Leave-Seminole-County-167233825.html

STATE'S RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT'S AMENDED NOTICE OF OBJECTION TO SUBPOENA

File August 23, 2012

http://www.flcourts18.org/PDF/Press_Releases/State's%20Response.pdf

George Zimmerman gets permission to travel to Orange County

Judge also rules that he'll review medical records

By Rene Stutzman, Orlando Sentinel
10:41 a.m. EDT, August 24, 2012

SANFORD - The judge in the Trayvon Martin-George Zimmerman case agreed this morning to let the defendant travel to Orange County but only to go to his lawyers' offices.

Defense attorney Don West this morning asked Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester to let Zimmerman, 28, move out of Seminole County.

Lester said no, that that entailed too much planning and coordination with local law enforcement agencies, who are required to monitor Zimmerman's whereabouts 24 hours a day.

~Snipped~

"Right now, it's not going to be carte blanche," the judge said.

Read more:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/trayvon-martin/os-george-zimmerman-medical-records-20120824,0,6617733.story

George Zimmerman's mother-in-law charged with DUI

Published On: Aug 24 2012 08:37:26 AM EDT
Updated On: Aug 24 2012 08:39:51 AM EDT

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. - Volusia County deputies arrested George Zimmerman's mother-in-law for suspicion of driving under the influence of prescription pills.

Drivers on State Road 415 near Osteen were in a panic, and can be heard in 911 calls begging deputies to pull over the swerving car.

Video at link:

http://www.news4jax.com/news/George-Zimmerman-s-mother-in-law-charged-with-DUI/-/475880/16251784/-/4nkmin/-/index.html

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-08-24/news/os-george-zimmerman-medical-records-20120824_1_trayvon-martin-george-zimmerman-mark-o-mara

George Zimmerman gets permission to travel to Orange County
12:30 p.m. EST, August 24, 2012

 ::snipping2::
Lester ruled in favor of Zimmerman, at least partially, on another matter today: He won't allow the defendant's medical records to become public.

He said he would review them in private then later listen to lawyers argue about them in a closed court session.
 ::snipping2::
Also today, de la Rionda handed over to O'Mara the most recent batch of state evidence, according to court paperwork.

It includes Trayvon's cell phone records, 217 photos from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, eight photos taken by a private investigator hired by Trayvon's family, Zimmerman's school records from Manassas, Va., and eight Seminole County Sheriff's Office incident reports from the night Trayvon was shot.

Most of those – not including the cell phone records – should become public in the next week or so.

I absolutely agree.  It makes a lot of sense now. 
joan+20

I'm not even going to watch the Dr. Phil show about this case. I saw a snippet of it today and he has two people on who know george and I can already tell Dr. Phil has not done his homework on this case.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/2012/08/29/court-zimmerman-judge-should-disqualify-himself/DJhLbGx0xzInj3NLXytLoO/story.html
Court: Zimmerman judge should disqualify himself
August 29, 2012

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A three-judge panel in Florida has ruled that a former neighborhood watch leader charged in the fatal shooting of teenager Trayvon Martin should be granted a new judge in his case
 ::snipping2::
O'Mara had argued that Lester should disqualify himself after he said the judge made disparaging remarks about Zimmerman’s character and advocated for additional charges against him in setting his $1 million bond in July.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.wmfe.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=13285&news_iv_ctrl=1041
New Judge to be Appointed in Zimmerman Case
August 29, 2012

http://thegrio.com/2012/08/29/zimmermans-request-for-a-new-judge-granted-by-appeal-court/
Zimmerman’s request for a new judge granted by appeal court
August 29, 2012

Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester, Jr. will be removed from the second-degree murder trial of George Zimmerman by order of a ruling made today. The Fifth District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach granted this request made by Zimmerman’s attorney, Mark O’Mara, who did not believe Lester could be fair to his client.
 ::snipping2::
Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson is likely to take over the case if this ruling stands.

TheGrio reached out for comment to Assistant State Attorney Bernie de la Rionda, who is prosecuting Zimmerman’s case, but his office declined to comment.

Zimmerman’s attorney, Mark O’Mara, responded, “We appreciate the appellate court reviewing our petition and we believe it is the correct decision,” in a statement released to the press.
 ::snipping2::

Appeal court grants George Zimmerman's request for new judge
August 29, 2012


Appeal Court:  Judge Lester is out.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-08-29/news/os-george-zimmerman-appeals-ruling-lester-20120829_1_george-zimmerman-trayvon-martin-mark-o-mara

From the article above--

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-08-29/news/os-george-zimmerman-appeals-ruling-lester-20120829_1_george-zimmerman-trayvon-martin-mark-o-mara

Appeal court: Lester is out
6:03 p.m. EST, August 29, 2012

http://www.flcourts18.org/bio_nelson_sem.html

JUDICIAL BIOGRAPHY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEMINOLE CIRCUIT JUDGE
 DEBRA S. NELSON
 Seminole Criminal Justice Center
 101 Bush Blvd.
 Sanford, Florida 32773
 

http://gzlegalcase.com/

Fifth District Court of Appeal Grants Defense's Petition for Writ of Prohibition
on 29 August 2012.

The Fifth District Court of Appeal granted George Zimmerman's Petition for a Writ of Prohibition. We expect a new judge will be assigned shortly.
 
Decision Granting Petition for Writ of Prohibition
http://184.172.211.159/~gzdocs/documents/writ/decision_granting_petition_for_writ.pdf

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/29/2975210/appeal-court-removes-judge-in.html


Posted on Wednesday, 08.29.12

Appeal court removes judge in Zimmerman case
 
The defense had asked for the trial judge to be removed, saying he had shown bias against the neighborhood watch volunteer who killed Trayon Martin during a scuffle.
By Frances Robles
frobles@miamiherald.com

George Zimmerman’s attorneys got a second judge kicked off his murder trial Wednesday, when the Fifth District Court of Appeal ordered the sitting jurist to step down from the controversial case.

In a 2-1 ruling that the appellate court acknowledged was a “close call,” Seminole County Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester was ordered to recuse himself and ask the chief circuit judge to name a replacement.

The decision came after Zimmerman’s attorney, Mark O’Mara, accused Lester of being so biased against his client that the former neighborhood watch volunteer had lost faith in the court.

 ::snipping2::

Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. Out, Florida Appeals Court Orders New Judge for Zimmerman Murder Trial of Trayvon Martin

http://scaredmonkeys.com/2012/08/30/judge-kenneth-lester-jr-out-florida-appeals-court-orders-new-judge-for-zimmerman-murder-trial-of-trayvon-martin/

YOU'RE OUT!!


I have to admit this decision came as a surprise, although it was the correct one. The Zimmerman-Martin case has been more political than it has been judicial since the outset. However, made this will be the sign that the murder trial will now be based on evidence and the rule of law rather than emotions, misrepresentations, media bias and those with an agenda fanning the flames of racism.

I surely hope so Red.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-08-30/news/os-george-zimmerman-new-judge-20120830_1_george-zimmerman-trayvon-martin-mark-o-mara
George Zimmerman's new judge: Debra S. Nelson
August 30, 2012

 Today Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson, a 13-year veteran of the bench in Sanford, was officially assigned the George Zimmerman second-degree murder case, one of the most watched in the country.

The 58-year-old Nelson has a reputation as a hard-working, ambitious judge who hands down tough sentences.
 ::snipping2::
On Wednesday, the Fifth District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach ordered Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. to step aside, saying comments he included in a $1 million bond order were enough to make a reasonable person believe he'd be unfair to Zimmerman.

Lester wrote that Zimmerman was a manipulator who was trying to outsmart the criminal justice system by claiming to be poor while hiding $130,000 and an extra passport.

Nelson now inherits one of the most prominent civil rights criminal cases in the country.

Zimmerman, 28, of Sanford, is accused of murdering Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black 17-year-old, on a Sanford sidewalk Feb. 26.

The defendant says he acted in self-defense, that the Miami Gardens teenager attacked him, climbed on top of him and began pounding his head on the concrete.

Prosecutors allege that Zimmerman is guilty of profiling, of spotting Trayvon as he walked through the neighborhood, assuming the teenager was about to commit a crime, pursuing and murdering him.

Nelson will now be the judge who must decide whether Zimmerman is entitled to immunity under Florida's much-debated "stand your ground" law, which allows anyone with a reasonable fear of imminent death or great bodily injury to use deadly force against an attacker.

Defense attorney Mark O'Mara has said he would likely schedule that hearing next year.
 ::snipping2::
Because of the appeals court ruling, O'Mara is now free to challenge any of Lester's rulings in the Zimmerman case, said attorneys Andrew Chmelir and Frank Iennaco. O'Mara has 20 days to do it, according to Florida's Rules of Judicial Administration.

It was not immediately clear what, if any, of Lester's rulings, O'Mara might challenge.
 ::snipping2::
She has twice applied for an open spot on the Florida Supreme Court, in 2002 and 2008 but failed to make the short list.

She typically gets middling marks – and did again this year – in an annual poll by the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Her overall ranking this year was 3.67, between "satisfactory" and "good".

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/30/2977516/zimmerman-gets-new-judge-but-lawyers.html

Posted on Thursday, 08.30.12
   
Trayvon Martin Case
Zimmerman gets new judge, but lawyers say he may regret it
 
The new judge presiding over George Zimmerman’s murder trial is a no-nonsense jurist known for not cutting lawyers much slack.

By Frances Robles
frobles@MiamiHerald.com

A veteran judge with broad experience and a reputation for being tough on both lawyers and defendants has been assigned to take over George Zimmerman’s murder trial.

Seminole County Circuit Judge Debra Nelson is a familiar face to the Zimmerman family: She is the same jurist assigned to handle Zimmerman’s wife’s perjury case.

Zimmerman’s legal team might live to regret forcing the last judge off the case because Nelson runs a tight ship and tends to favor the prosecution, Central Florida lawyers said. A native of South Florida who did a brief stint at the Broward state attorney’s office, Nelson is known for being a no-nonsense judge who keeps lawyers on their toes.

“I don’t think they did themselves any favors,” said attorney Jose Baez, best known for defending “tot mom” Casey Anthony. “She has a reputation of being more pro-prosecution than the previous judge. We have an expression: ‘The devil you know is much better than the devil you don’t.’ ”

 ::snipping2::

Why was Jose Baez asked what he thought?
joan+20
Edit to fix quotes.  MB

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-09-05/news/os-george-zimmerman-judge-nelson-stand-your-ground-20120904_1_kishawn-jones-trayvon-martin-george-zimmerman
George Zimmerman judge rejected 'stand your ground' claim in other murder case
September 5, 2012

 SANFORD — In May, Circuit Judge Debra Nelson, who has taken over the George Zimmerman murder case, rejected the "stand your ground" claim of a 21-year-old Sanford man who was charged with murder.

A month later, a Seminole County jury acquitted him.

That case, Florida v. Kishawn Jones, is important because it could signal what's ahead for Zimmerman, the 28-year-old Neighborhood Watch volunteer who killed Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black 17-year-old.

Zimmerman is expected to use Florida's "stand your ground" law to try to clear himself. Passed by the Florida Legislature in 2005, the law grants immunity to anyone who uses deadly force if he has a reasonable fear of imminent death or great bodily injury.
More...

http://gzlegalcase.com/

Zimmerman Defense Begins Discovery Process
on 06 September 2012.

The Defense has begun its own discovery process now that the State has delivered substantially all of its discovery in the case against George Zimmerman. To date, there are still a number of items that the State has not submitted to the Defense that we feel are relevant to the case. We will be seeking these items and evidence through all appropriate means.

Our first request is a series of Subpoenas for Production of Documents requesting school records for Trayvon Martin. In the coming weeks, we will be issuing subpoenas for other items including potentially relevant data from social media platforms, reports related to chain of custody to key evidence, interviews and more.

It has become our practice to post to our website legal documents related the case as they become public record, and this will continue to be the case with our discovery requests. Moreover, any discovery we submit that becomes public record will also be posted on our website. In the case of Trayvon Martin’s school records, they are protected and will NOT be part of the public record, without appropriate court order.
 ::snipping2::

http://gzlegalcase.com/index.php/court-documents

Subpoenas for Trayvon Martin's School Records
on 06 September 2012.

The Zimmerman defense has issued the following Subpoena for Production of Documents and Things in regards to Trayvon Martin's school records.  NOTE: School records are protected and will not become part of public record without appropriate court order.

Subpoena - Miami Carol City High School
http://184.172.211.159/~gzdocs/documents/requests/Subpoena%20-%20Miami%20Carol%20City%20HS.pdf

Subpoena - Miami-Dade County Public Schools
http://184.172.211.159/~gzdocs/documents/requests/Subpoena%20-%20Miami-Dade%20Cty%20PS.pdf

Subpoena - Norland Middle School
http://184.172.211.159/~gzdocs/documents/requests/Subpoena%20-%20Norland%20MS.pdf

Subpoena - Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High
http://184.172.211.159/~gzdocs/documents/requests/Subpoena%20-%20Dr.%20Michael%20M.%20Krop%20SH.pdf

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-09-07/news/os-trayvon-martin-zimmerman-school-records-20120907_1_trayvon-martin-george-zimmerman-mark-o-mara

George Zimmerman defense wants Trayvon Martin school records
9:58 a.m. EST, September 7, 2012

George Zimmerman's legal defense team wants educational and disciplinary records for Trayvon Martin, the Miami Gardens teen Zimmerman shot Feb. 26 in Sanford, according to a new post on the lawyers' blog.

Zimmerman's team posted this morning that it has begun its discovery process, issuing several subpoenas aimed at gathering records on Trayvon's school history dating back to middle school.

The 17-year-old was staying with his father's girlfriend at the time of the shooting. He had been suspended from school in Miami after being found with an empty marijuana baggie.

In its subpoenas, the neighborhood watch volunteer's defense requests any "disciplinary notices and reports, suspension notices and reports, attendance records, tardiness records, awards given," as well as extracurricular activities, class schedules and test scores.

The subpoenas are directed at Miami Carol City High School, Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High, Norland Middle School and Miami-Dade County Public Schools. As the defense team's blog post notes, such school records are not public.
 ::snipping2::

Two-page article

www.miamiherald.com/2012/09/09/2994307/zimmerman-defense-looking-for.html

Posted on Monday, 09.10.12
Zimmerman defense looking for new clues on Trayvon

George Zimmerman’s defense lawyers will subpoena Facebook, Twitter and Miami-Dade schools in a widespread pursuit of clues to suggest that Trayvon Martin could have thrown the first punch on the night he was killed, a sign that attorneys are going into attack mode in preparation for their case.

A series of notices were sent last week to Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and the principals of the schools Trayvon attended, advising that subpoenas for copies of the slain teen’s academic and attendance records would be issued in 10 days’ time.

Similar warnings are expected to be sent this week to the popular social networking sites where Trayvon maintained accounts, defense attorney   Mark O’Mara said.

Defense lawyers argue that if the defendant’s social media sites and school records were reviewed by prosecutors, it’s only fair game for Trayvon to undergo the same scrutiny. The move underscores a shift in the defense strategy, in what the slain teen’s family lawyer calls a “witch hunt” and “character assassination.” If successful, and negative rumors about Trayvon’s social media comments that have circulated the Internet for months are proven true, they would be posted on the defense website and offered legitimacy.

Read more...
Edit fix link.  MB

ooops...this link should work:   http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/09/09/2994307_p2/zimmerman-defense-looking-for.html

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1209/11/ijvm.01.html
JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL

Woman Tased for Spitting?; George Zimmerman`s Friends Speak Out

Aired September 11, 2012 - 19:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

 ::snipping2::

Plus, George Zimmerman`s best friends speak out, breaking their silence for the first time since Zimmerman shot unarmed teen, Trayvon Martin. These are the same friends who let the former Neighborhood Watch volunteer stay at their home after the shooting. What will they reveal?

On the other side, George Zimmerman`s BFFs speak out.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: George Zimmerman`s defense attorneys want Trayvon Martin`s school records. They plan to use those records in their defense strategy.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Trayvon Martin! Trayvon Martin!

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Trayvon Martin! Trayvon Martin!

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Trayvon Martin! Trayvon Martin!

GEORGE ZIMMERMAN, ON TRIAL FOR MURDER: I said, "I don`t have a problem, man."

SYBRINA FULTON, TRAYVON MARTIN`S MOTHER: This is not about a black and white thing. This is about a right and wrong thing.

ZIMMERMAN (via phone): If the bond is 50, pay the 50.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: $9,900, $9,900, $9,900, $9,900, $9,900, $9,900.

MARK O`MARA, ATTORNEY FOR GEORGE ZIMMERMAN: It`s not the grand conspiracy that the state seems to suggest.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Tonight, shooter George Zimmerman`s best friends are finally breaking their silence. This is the very couple who gave George Zimmerman and his wife a secret hideaway right after he was accused of shooting 17-year-old Trayvon Martin while the teen was holding only Skittles and an iced tea.

Listen to George Zimmerman`s best friends` account of what happened the night George Zimmerman is accused of murdering the unarmed teen. Watch this from "Dr. Phil."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. PHIL MCGRAW, TALK SHOW HOST: Do you believe if he hadn`t had that gun and shot Trayvon that George Zimmerman would be dead today?

MARK OSTERMAN, GEORGE ZIMMERMAN`S FRIEND: I do.

SONDRA OSTERMAN, GEORGE ZIMMERMAN`S FRIEND: Absolutely.

MCGRAW: So you think Trayvon would have killed him?

S. OSTERMAN: Absolutely.

M. OSTERMAN: I believe so.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Are you serious? Are you serious?

M. OSTERMAN: If I can have one moment. George -- the injuries that he had to his head could not be sustained for any period of time without either becoming unconscious or dying. He said, "I`m blacking out. I feel I`m going to die." And he told the police that. He said that in a lie detector test, all of which they have. They`ve connected all this together. And from George`s perspective, he felt, "I am going to die."

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: These are the injuries to George Zimmerman that his best friends are talking about, a broken nose, a pair of black eyes, two cuts on the back of his head and a minor back injury. This is a preview of the case Zimmerman`s defense attorney is likely to make, that it doesn`t matter what happened leading up to the altercation, because at the time Zimmerman shot Trayvon, he claimed he feared for his life.

Natalie Jackson, you are one of the attorneys for Trayvon Martin`s family. Thank you so much for joining us tonight. Do you think this "I feared for my life" argument will stand up?

NATALIE JACKSON, ATTORNEY FOR TRAYVON MARTIN`S FAMILY: Well, the fear has to be a reasonable fear, Jane. And that`s what we have to determine here. And that`s what a jury will have to determine, whether or not his fear was reasonable.

The fear -- we know that Trayvon was unarmed. We know that George Zimmerman had a gun. We know that the alleged injuries that George Zimmerman sustained did not require him to go to the emergency room. They required no treatment, no -- no stitches. He didn`t get any X-rays. He didn`t get any sort of tests that we can rely on that there was some injury.

When we look at these pictures, even the pictures of him afterwards, these were the injuries that you get from a fight. You cannot use deadly force in retaliation to a fight, a fistfight.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Yes, I think this is going to be the crux of this upcoming case.

Now, this best friend of shooter George Zimmerman -- Mark Osterman is his name -- admits that he is the one who helped George Zimmerman choose the very gun that eventually shot Trayvon dead. Listen to Dr. Phil address that issue.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MCGRAW: You helped him pick out the gun...

M. OSTERMAN: Yes, sir.

MCGRAW: ... that he ultimately shot and killed Trayvon Martin with?

M. OSTERMAN: Yes, sir.

MCGRAW: Now, that makes me wonder, if you are now bought into a point where you say, "I`ve got to defend the guy now, because I`m in the chain here." Does that mean that -- that you need to defend him here because if not, you`ve got some ownership in this?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Criminal defense attorney Michelle Suskauer, this is not an objective person. He`s a friend. He also helped George Zimmerman buy the gun. Does that invalidate any claims that he could make?

MICHELLE SUSKAUER, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY (via phone): Well, what is he going to be able to testify to anyway that`s not complete hearsay?

I want to go back to something that Natalie Jackson just said. And this case may not even get to a jury. She keeps saying, you know, it`s up to a jury, if a jury thinks that this is reasonable. This is going to be a motion to dismiss in front of this new judge now, and she is going to have to make this decision. If she denies it, then it could go in front of a jury.

And it doesn`t matter whether or not they had a fistfight or not. There didn`t even need to be a fight. It does -- there`s nothing in the statute that says there had to be a fight or whether he needed to go to the hospital for his injuries. That`s not the point.

So I think that we`re sort of losing sight of what the law is here and what exactly the defense is going to have to show in terms of using the "Stand Your Ground" defense.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Presumably you`re referring to the "Stand Your Ground" law, yes.

Natalie Jackson, do you want to respond to that?

JACKSON: The law -- the law says that he must have a reasonable fear of imminent death or great bodily harm. And it must be a reasonable fear. It can`t be George Zimmerman`s subjective fear. It can`t be someone who`s paranoid that someone looks suspicious and their subjective fear. It has to be a reasonable fear that a reasonable person would have.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: And remember, Trayvon Martin had in his hands Skittles and iced tea. More on the other side.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

FULTON: My son was not committing any crimes. Our son is your son. I want you guys to stand up for justice and stand up for what`s right. This is not about a black and white thing. This is about a right and wrong thing.

Justice for Trayvon!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: In a controversial move, Zimmerman`s defense team is now digging into the dead teenager, Trayvon Martin`s, past to find any dirt. His family`s calling it a witch hunt to assassinate his character.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

FULTON: The only comment that I have right now is that they`ve killed my son and now they`re trying to kill his reputation.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: All right. Want to get my panel`s reaction to Zimmerman`s attorneys subpoenaing a huge list of things including Trayvon`s Facebook and Twitter accounts, school records, test scores, disciplinary records, attendance. They`ve already determined that he`s been suspended. He was suspended, I believe, three times.

Starting with Natalie Jackson, you represent Trayvon Martin`s family. What say you to these subpoenas?

JACKSON: Well, I mean, really, from a legal standard, it`s not relevant. This is character evidence, and it`s not relevant.

I -- you know, I agree with Sybrina. This is just an attempt to demonize the victim in this case. Trayvon is the victim. The only character that is relevant -- George Zimmerman did not know Trayvon Martin when he killed him that night. He knew nothing about his character.

I will tell you, this was a 17-year-old kid that was on his way to college. And he was a normal, average 17-year-old. He wasn`t an angel, but he certainly wasn`t a devil. And his character, George Zimmerman knew nothing about. And it`s not relevant to this case. It`s not even admissible.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Yes.

JACKSON: The only thing I can think is that once again, it`s just feeding into this propaganda machine.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Well, Jayne Weintraub, will any of this -- you can subpoena but will any -- like the fact that he was suspended at the time, will that get in?

WEINTRAUB: Well, that`s not what he`s going for. What he`s going for is to be able to demonstrate whether or not Trayvon had a propensity to commit violence.

You know, it`s not about the character evidence. From the best friend, it`s not about George Zimmerman being a good guy. It`s about what happened at that moment.

And what the best friend was saying is he testified George Zimmerman told the police that he said he felt he was going to die. He felt he was passing out, and he passed a polygraph to that -- to those words. Now, what`s important is it`s not admissible in front of a jury, but it will be admissible in the "Stand Your Ground," and the judge will be able to give it whatever weight the judge thinks is appropriate. That`s No. 1.

No. 2, as far as the subpoena of the records, it`s not to show that Trayvon was a bad kid and that he was suspended for smoking pot. It`s to show whether or not he got into ten fights that day. It`s to show the propensity for what he was doing. That`s all.

(CROSSTALK)

VELEZ-MITCHELL: One second. Let`s give Natalie Jackson the final word here.

JACKSON: I will say that you do not look at one moment in time from one snapshot. This is a totality of circumstances. This is what happened from the time that George Zimmerman got out of his car with the gun to pursue an unarmed teenager.

It has nothing to do with the victim. His records are not relevant. They are not admissible. He had no propensity towards violence. If anyone -- if anyone`s records -- the only records that are relevant to this case are George Zimmerman`s, the perpetrator and the killer of Trayvon Martin.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Well, ladies, we have to leave it right there. But thank you for a lively debate, and obviously, we stay all over this case.
 ::snipping2::